TMCnet News

New York High School Scientists Win Regional Siemens Competition at Carnegie Mellon University for Research on Improving Reproductive Health Through Meiosis and Aortic-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
[November 23, 2014]

New York High School Scientists Win Regional Siemens Competition at Carnegie Mellon University for Research on Improving Reproductive Health Through Meiosis and Aortic-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells


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 (News - Alert) 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 Carn ...

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 (News - Alert) 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 lacrose, 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 (News - Alert) 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 (News - Alert) @SFoundation (#SiemensComp) and like us on Facebook (News - Alert) 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.


[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]