Three GNPS students named Regeneron STS scholars

Three South High School students have been named 2023 Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) Scholars. Dana Kagan, Amit Saha, and Amber Sun are among 300 students to achieve this honor in one of the nation’s most prestigious science competitions.

Great Neck’s three Scholars are among 300 semifinalists nationwide, who were selected from an applicant pool of 1,949 high school seniors. Each Scholar will receive $2,000, with a matching amount for their school. South High science research teachers/advisors are Nicole Spinelli and Dr. James Truglio.

Dana Kagan’s project is titled, “Employing CRISPR Cas9 Editing in Combination With DNA Polymerase To Correct the DELTA F508 Mutation of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator Gene in HEK293T Cells.” This study utilized CRISPR Cas9, an RNA-guided enzyme, to precisely target a specific region of DNA in order to correct a genetic mutation associated with cystic fibrosis. This method showed higher percentages of correction as compared to previous studies.

Amit Saha’s project is titled, “Deep Learning Accelerated Lattice-Boltzmann Simulations for Multiscale Modeling of Thrombosis.” Thrombosis—abnormal blood clotting—is the leading cause of heart attack and stroke. This study sought to utilize deep-learning accelerated molecular simulations to develop a more effective model of thrombosis.

Amber Sun’s project is titled, “Neuroprotective Effects of Red Raspberry Extract and Broussoflavonol B in Alzheimer’s Disease Models.” Alzheimer’s Disease is the leading cause of dementia worldwide and has no current cure. This study elucidated Raspberry Extract and plant compound Broussoflavonol B as potential treatments, with Raspberry Extract ameliorating behavioral symptoms in an Alzheimer’s fruit fly model and the Broussoflavonol B mitigating effects in an Alzheimer’s afflicted cell model.

“We celebrate this year’s scholars for their exceptional work and unmatched motivation to use the power of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to make a meaningful mark on the world,” said Christina Chan, Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications & Citizenship at Regeneron. “We commend the scholars’ inspirational and thought-provoking projects and look forward to what the future has in store for each of these budding innovators.”

The Regeneron competition is the former Westinghouse and then the Intel Science Talent Search. The Talent Search, begun in 1942, is the nation’s oldest, and often considered its most prestigious, science and mathematics competition for high school seniors. It is owned and produced by Society for Science. On Jan. 24, 40 of the top 300 Scholars will be announced as Finalists and will advance in the national competition.

South High School presents Puffs

South High School will present the play, Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic, from Thursday, February 9, through Saturday, February 11, in the school auditorium, 341 Lakeville Rd. Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on all three dates, with an additional 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday only.

For seven years, a certain boy wizard went to a certain Wizard School and conquered evil. This, however, is not his story. This is the story of the Puffs…who just happened to be there, too. A tale for anyone who has never been destined to save the world.

The New York Times proclaims that Puffs is “A fast-paced romp through the ‘Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic.’ For Potterphiliacs who grew up alongside Potter and are eager to revisit that world, Puffs exudes a jovial, winking fondness for all things Harry!”

This Theatre South production is under the direction of Ilana Meredith Schikler, drama teacher/theatre director. Tickets are $10 each and may be purchased online at www.showtix4u.com/event-details/60584. For additional information, visit the Theatre South website at www.gntheatresouth.com.

Deadline approaches for teacher award nominations

The deadline for Great Neck Public Schools alumni to nominate a GNPS educator for the Christa Fulton Memorial Teacher Award is quickly approaching. Nominations for this annual award must be received by Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023.

The sole purpose of this award is to recognize GNPS educators who have had a profound impact on the lives of students. Alumni from North High School, South High School, and Village School may nominate an elementary teacher, a secondary school teacher, a guidance counselor, or a social worker for this award.

Nominations detailing how the selected teacher has had an impact on the individual’s life must be submitted to [email protected] by Jan. 31. Authors should identify themselves only by their student number, which may be obtained from the guidance office at the high school they attended (or for Village School graduates, the middle school attended). Please also include the name of the high school attended and the year of graduation.

A five-member award committee will carefully consider all nominations and select two recipients based on the perceived impact that the teachers had on their students’ lives.

For additional information about this award, including the nomination and selection process, contact Dr. Stephen C. Lando, Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education, at [email protected].

Calendar notices for February 2023

Thursday, Feb. 9

• South High School presents Puffs, 7:30 p.m., 341 Lakeville Rd. Tickets: https://www.gntheatresouth.com/tickets. Info: 441-4873.

Friday, Feb. 10

• North High School presents The Magic Flute, 7:30 p.m., 35 Polo Rd. Info: 441-4743.
• South High School presents Puffs, 7:30 p.m., 341 Lakeville Rd. Tickets: https://www.gntheatresouth.com/tickets. Info: 441-4873.

Saturday, Feb. 11

• North High School presents The Magic Flute, 8 p.m., 35 Polo Rd. Info: 441-4743.
• South High School presents Puffs, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., 341 Lakeville Rd. Tickets: https://www.gntheatresouth.com/tickets. Info: 441-4873.

Wednesday, Feb. 15

• Great Neck Board of Education Recognition of Village School Students at 7:30 p.m., followed by Public Action Meeting at 8:15 p.m. at the Cumberland Center, 30 Cumberland Ave. Info: www.greatneck.k12.ny.us/meetings or 441-4001.

Thursday, Feb. 16

• North High School Valentine’s Concert, 7:30 p.m., 35 Polo Rd. Info: 441-4751.
• South High School Chamber Music Recital, 7:30 p.m., 341 Lakeville Rd. Info: 441-4851.

Tuesday, Feb. 28

• Great Neck Board of Education Meeting (snow date, if needed), location TBA, 7:30 p.m. Info: www.greatneck.k12.ny.us/meetings or 441-4001.