Students Earn Top Prizes at Nation’s Premier STEM Competition
Jay Zussman of Great Neck, N.Y. Wins Top Individual Prize;
William
Crugnola of Jericho, N.Y. and Ekaterina Mazalkova of Valley Stream, N.Y.
Win Top Team Prize
Company Website:
http://www.siemens-foundation.org
PITTSBURGH -- (Business Wire)
Months of dedication and hard work in science, technology, engineering
and mathematics (STEM) paid off tonight for three students named
National Finalists in the Siemens Competition in Math, Science &
Technology, the nation’s premier research competition for high school
students. Jay Zussman of Great Neck, N.Y. earned the top honors and a
$3,000 individual scholarship for research on improving reproductive
health through meiosis. Research on aortic-derived mesenchymal stem
cells earned William Crugnola of Jericho, N.Y. and Ekaterina (Katie)
Mazalkova of Valley Stream, N.Y. the $6,000 team scholarship.
Jay Zussman is the individual category winner of the Siemens Competition regional event held at Carnegie Mellon University. He advances to the National Finals in Washington, D.C. (Photo: Business Wire)
The students presented their research this weekend to a panel of judges
from Carnegie Mellon University, host of the Region Four Finals. They
will now present their work on a national stage in Washington, D.C.,
December 5-9, 2014, where $500,000 in scholarships will be awarded,
including two top prizes of $100,000. The Siemens Competition, a
signature program of the Siemens Foundation, is administered by
Discovery Education.
“By investing a significant amount of their time and energy, these
remarkable students are advancing research and exploration in critical
fields,” said David Etzwiler, CEO of the Siemens Foundation. “I applaud
these finalists for their outstanding achievements and wish them luck in
the next phase of the competition.”
The Winning Individual
Jay Zussman, a senior at Great Neck South High School in Great Neck,
N.Y., won the individual category and a $3,000 scholarship for his
project, titled “Zip1 C-Terminal Phosphorylation Promotes Zip1-Sgs1
Interaction in Meiotic Cells.”
Jay’s research aims to improve reproductive health through the mechanism
of meiosis. Wanting to both improve his understanding of meiosis as well
as the proper gamete formation to assist with the eradication of
karyotypic diseases in humans, he discovered a novel protein-protein
interaction in meiosis that could help circumvent errors in human gamete
formation. Jay’s experiments lead to a model explaining transitions
between multiple pathways of meiosis. His work suggests that when one
pathway fails, a component of the machinery, Zip1, can encourage a
switch to another pathway through specific molecular interactions with
the protein Sgs1.
“Jay is studying the mechanism of meiosis, a fundamental biological
pathway that enables proper exchange of genetic information and
subsequent segregation to produce haploid cells for reproduction,” said
Dr. John Woolford, Professor of Biological Sciences at Carnegie Mellon
University. “Errors in this process result in debilitating diseases in
humans, hence its importance on society. I’m impressed with the amount
of emotion behind Jay’s work. He is very passionate about his science,
and the potential benefits for mankind and improving reproductive
health.”
Jay has always been intrigued by the way existing complex life gives
rise to new life. “I’m fascinated by the concept that detailed research
can yield discoveries that improve human quality of life,” Jay stated.
“I'm especially excited by the progress made on stimulating stem cells
to grow human organs and tissues for transplants.”
Jay cites biology as his favorite subject in school. He is a two-time
semifinalist in the United States Biology Olympiad, a two-time 2nd
place winner at the WAC Invitational Science Fair, and captain of his
school’s National Science Bowl team. An accomplished clarinetist, he has
performed at New York’s famed Carnegie Hall three times. He also finds
time to swim, compete in lacrosse, and play the saxophone, ukulele,
guitar, bass, and drums. He would like to work as a physician one day in
the future.
Jay is especially grateful to his mentor Dr. Nancy Hollingsworth for all
the support and guidance she has given him.
The Winning Team
Seniors William Crugnola of Jericho High School in Jericho, N.Y. and
Katie Mazalkova of Valley Stream Central High School in Valley Stream
N.Y., won the team category and will share a $6,000 scholarship for
their project, titled “Aortic-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Novel
Target for Atherosclerosis Treatment.”
William and Katie studied a strain of aortic stem cells and their role
in the immune response that causes atherosclerosis. They discovered a
fundamental mechanism of aortic-derived mesenchymal stem cells that
could be blocked to inhibit the progression of atherosclerosis.
Ultimately, their research, along with their follow-up studies, could
develop new ways of treating heart disease.
“This team focused on the biology of atherosclerosis, a major cause of
cardiovascular disease,” explained Brooke M. McCartney, Associate
Professor of Biological Sciences at Carnegie Mellon University. “William
and Katie made a surprising observation that a particular population of
mesenchymal stem cells found in the aorta appears to promote the uptake
of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) by macrophages – a key step in the
development of atherosclerosis. Their preliminary studies have
identified several candidate proteins that may mediate the interaction
between the stem cells and the macrophage, and they predict that these
may be good targets for the development of drugs to block this step in
the progression of atherosclerosis.”
With biology being his favorite subject in school, William is intrigued
by the nuances and complex interdependencies of the human body, and has
been specifically interested in stem cells since he was a child. “In
elementary school, I remember watching news stories regarding the
controversy surrounding stem cell research. This prompted me to learn
about stem cells, and from then on doing stem cell research became my
goal,” William stated.
Having received a National Merit Commendation, William also finds time
to compete on his school’s varsity swimming team and also plays tennis.
He is a member of the Jericho Engineering Club and hopes to one day work
as a doctor.
Katie is extremely interested in science, as it has always posed a
challenge for her. This has led her to become a tutor for her classmates
in physics and math. She is also an FBLA Public Speaking state champion,
as well as an AP Scholar with honors.
“Many people in my family have been doctors, and I have always been
connected to medicine,” stated Katie Mazalkova. “My research project
relates directly to what will hopefully be a future in cardiology.”
When outside of the classroom, Katie enjoys competing in volleyball,
winning the conference with her school’s team. She also stays active by
playing lacrosse. She hopes to continue her research and work as a
cardiologist in the future.
The team is grateful for the support they received from their shared
mentor Dr. Jodi Evans, Associate Professor of Biology at Molloy College
on Long Island, N.Y.
Regional Finalists
The remaining Regional Finalists each received a $1,000 scholarship.
Regional Finalists in the individual category were:
-
Niyati Desai, Ward Melville Senior High School, East Setauket, N.Y.
-
Charles Gulian, Ossining High School, Ossining, N.Y.
-
Sarah Hamerling, Hunter College High School, New York, N.Y.
-
Yinge Zhao, Dalton School, New York, N.Y.
Team Regional Finalists were:
-
Christin Abraham, Pelham Memorial High School, Pelham, NY; Jeffrey
Hurd, Pelham Memorial High School, Pelham, N.Y.
-
Arthur Chen, Lawrence High School, Cedarhurst, N.Y.; Lee Blackburn,
Lawrence High School, Cedarhurst, N.Y.; Justin Lish, Hebrew Acad-5
Towns & Rockaway, Cedarhurst, N.Y.
-
Robert Karp, Briarcliff High School, Briarcliff, N.Y.; Karthik Rao,
Briarcliff High School, Briarcliff, N.Y.
-
Hyunsun Kim, Trinity School, New York, N.Y.; Hyun Jin Kim, Stuyvesant
High School, New York, N.Y.
The Siemens Competition
This year marks the 15th Anniversary of the Siemens
Competition, the nation’s premier research competition for high school
students. A record 4,428 students registered for this year’s competition
and submitted a total of 1,784 projects for consideration – a 12%
increase over the number of projects submitted last year. 408 students
were named semifinalists and 97 were named regional finalists,
representing 38 states. Entries are judged at the regional level by
esteemed scientists from six leading research universities which host
the regional competitions: California Institute of Technology, Carnegie
Mellon University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Massachusetts
Institute of Technology, University of Notre Dame and The University of
Texas at Austin.
For news and announcements about the Regional Competitions and the
National Finals, follow us on Twitter @SFoundation
(#SiemensComp) and like us on Facebook at SiemensFoundation.
About the Siemens Foundation
The Siemens Foundation supports educational initiatives in science,
technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in the United States. Its
signature programs include the Siemens Competition in Math, Science &
Technology and Siemens Science Day. The Foundation’s mission is based on
the culture of innovation, research and educational support that is the
hallmark of Siemens’ U.S. companies. For further information, visit www.siemens-foundation.org
or follow @sfoundation.
About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is the global leader in standards-based digital
content and professional development for K-12, transforming teaching and
learning with award-winning digital textbooks, multimedia content that
supports the implementation of Common Core, professional development,
assessment tools, and the largest professional learning community of its
kind. Available in over half of all U.S. schools and primary schools in
England, community colleges and in 50 countries around the world,
Discovery Education partners with districts, states and like-minded
organizations to captivate students, empower teachers, and transform
classrooms with customized solutions that accelerate academic
achievement. Discovery Education is powered by Discovery Communications
(NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the number one nonfiction media company
in the world. Explore the future of education at www.discoveryeducation.com.
Photos of winners available on request.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20141122005012/en/
Contacts:
Weber Shandwick
Evan Phalon, 908-278-4818
ephalon@webershandwick.com
or
Siemens
Erin
Brown, 202-344-5532
erin.brown@siemens.com
Source: Siemens
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