探花社区 East students Daanish Bassi, Jolene Cao and Richard Chai were all named top-300 scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search.
The Regeneron Science Talent Search is the nation’s most prestigious pre-college science and
mathematics competition and recognizes the best and brightest young scientists for demonstrating exceptional scientific leadership potential, according to the district.
According to Ms. Maria Zeitlin, the ThINK Discovery Science research program coordinator, “I am thrilled to recognize these outstanding students, whose work represents the culmination of three years of diligent investigations. We are over the moon to have multiple winners and each one is so deserving! Their research in the fields of biochemistry, material science, and chemistry is precise, intellectual, and relevant in a world that is hard-pressed for creative solutions to global issues.”
Metastatic prostate cancer claims the lives of thousands of people annually, and there is a dire need for greater therapeutic options. Daanish Bassi’s research, “Assessing Novel RIPK2-MKK7 Interaction Inhibitors in Prostate Cancer Cell Lines,” in the lab of Dr. Wei Yang, investigated the sequence of activities in a molecular pathway to find a target for stopping the spread of cancer cells. The project investigated the inactivation of one such pathway implicated in prostate cancer metastasis through the inhibition of a protein-protein interaction.
Jolene Cao’s research, “Synthesis of Stable and Magnetically Responsive Magnetite/Cesium Lead Halide Perovskite Quantum Dots for Programmable Light Polarization,” in the lab of Dr. Yadong Yin, investigated perovskite quantum dots, tiny crystals at the quantum level used in the fields of energy, healthcare, and computers, that suffer from instability. She fabricated protective shells to enclose the nanostructure which lays the foundation for their use in next-generation optoelectronics with high efficiency and functionality.
Population growth places a strain on all resources, especially agricultural. Richard Chai’s research, “Optimizing the Nitro-Oxidation Process to Convert Lignocellulosic Waste into Fertilizers and Nanocellulosic Materials,” in the lab of Dr. Benjamin Hsaio, improved upon a chemical process, converting discarded plant matter into a usable, biodegradable materials for both filtration and fertilization by improving its safety and accessibility. Optimizing biomass-derived products helps our transition towards a future in which world hunger is addressed with sustainable solutions.
"We are incredibly proud of Jolene, Richard, and Daanish for this remarkable achievement. Their innovative research projects demonstrate a deep passion for science and a commitment to exploring the unknown. These students embody the spirit of inquiry and discovery that we champion in 探花社区, and they serve as an inspiration to their peers and our entire community. Ms. Zeitlin's passion for nurturing young scientists is truly commendable. Her dedication to fostering a love of inquiry and providing individualized support has undoubtedly played a key role in these students' remarkable achievements," said Dr. Stephanie O’Brien, 探花社区 School District Director of Science.