MARCH 2011

Local School News

Mamaroneck High School Senior Named Finalist in Nationwide Intel Science Talent Search

Mamaroneck School District today announced that Original Science Research senior Grace Phillips was named as a Finalist in the 2011 Intel Science Talent Search, the nation’s most prestigious science research competition for high school students. This is the first time in 20 years that an MHS student has been selected to advance to the finals.

Phillips, who was recognized for her project titled A study of HCAA conjugates in the context of the domestication history of S. melongena (eggplant), used a variety of genetic techniques to study the evolutionary history and domestication of eggplant. She worked for two years as a Cullman Intern in the Pfizer Plant Research Laboratory at The New York Botanical Garden.

“I am thrilled for Grace. The Intel Science Talent Search recognizes the best of the best, and Grace is fully deserving of this honor. Many finalists go on to distinguished careers in science, and I expect the same of Grace,” said Guido Garbarino, MHS teacher and director of the Original Science Research program.

The Intel Science Talent Search identifies 300 students and their schools as Semifinalists each year—pulling from 1,744 applicants in 2011—to compete for $1.25 million in awards. (In addition to Phillips, MHS Senior Anirudh Gorti was selected this year as a semifinalist.) From this select pool, 40 Finalists are then invited to Washington, D.C. in March to participate in final judging, display their work to the public, meet and present their work to nationally recognized professional scientists, and compete for the top award of $100,000.

“It is very exciting and I feel very honored. I feel so lucky to have been able to participate in OSR. It was this program that made this all possible for me. I love doing research and this whole experience has been very rewarding,” Phillips said, when asked how she felt after receiving the phone call informing her of her finalist status.

Original Science Research (OSR) is a three-year elective course taught at MHS. In the class, students research an area of science, secure a professional mentor, and design their own research project in collaboration with the mentor.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Robert Shaps said, “The curiosity of students such as Grace and the other Intel competitors is what drives the critical thinking we strive to help develop in our students. I congratulate Grace for being recognized as one of the country’s best and brightest young scientists – what a thrilling accomplishment.”

Two decades ago, MHS student Jed Moskowitz became an Intel Finalist for his research on cancer.

 

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