Neuroscientist Academy Recognizes Four Byram Hills Students
Jan. 2, 2018, Armonk, NY: Four Byram Hills High School students were recently selected as national finalists in the Neuroscience Research Prize awarded by the American Academy of Neuroscientists (AAN) Research Prize for high school students.
The Academy is the largest organization of neurologists in the country and each year the group awards 15 high school students who have completed extraordinary work exploring the world of the brain and nervous system through laboratory research.
The Byram Hills School District is proud of the following students who participate in the Dr. Robert Pavlica Authentic Science Research Program at Byram Hills High School and the award-winning work they have done.
Here are the students and a summary of their projects:
STELLA LI: Stella utilized a novel method to differentiate the workings of nerve impulses. Utilizing the neurotoxins found in snake venom, she demonstrated specific pathways involved in the endocytosis of vesicle membrane proteins. This research will enable neurologists to more fully understand synaptic mechanisms and could, in turn, enhance drug development.
JEREMY MA: Jeremy created a study to measure the brain activity of people while perceiving different representations of depth. He used electroencephalography (EEG measurements) and developed a novel method for analyzing the data. This study is considered to be one of the first of its kind to quantitatively analyze visual depth perception.
ALEXANDRA REMNITZ: Working with the Sailfin Molly, Alex determined that this hardy species of fish, unlike most other fish, did not alter their typical behavior due to increasing ocean acidification. This finding demonstrates the robustness of this specific species.
KYLIE ROSLIN: Kylie identified a unique relationship between the Herpes Simplex Virus and a neurologic autoimmune disorder called NMDAR encephalitis. Her findings could be used to improve the diagnosis and treatment of this rare condition.
“Having our students' work recognized by this prestigious group helps to validate the importance of our students' research. Each of these young women and men identified unique questions yet to be addressed in their field. Their results will have a profound impact on their respective area of study. Needless to say, we are very proud of them and wish each of them success as they continue their research,” said Stephanie Greenwald, Director of the Dr. Robert Pavlica Authentic Science Research Program at Byram Hills High School.
These Byram Hills High School students will move on to the next round, which will award three finalists an all-expense paid trip to the AAN 70th Annual Meeting in Los Angeles, where they will be able to present their work and one finalist will present work at the 2018 Child Neurology Society Annual Meeting.