Manhasset Students Named Regeneron Science Scholars

The Manhasset School District congratulates Manhasset Secondary School seniors Richard Lee and Kendrick Tak on being named Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars for 2019.

Richard has been recognized for his project, “Analytical Interpretations of Geophysical Fluid Mechanics in Coaxial Borehole Heat Exchangers and Respective Applications.” His research explores different types of models for optimizing geothermal wells to produce heat effectively and efficiently for cities. Kendrick earned scholar status for his work titled “Supplementation of Protein Phosphatases with LiCl and CeO2 in Reducing Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Related Tauopathy.” In his research, he utilized two chemicals to counter oxidative stress and the binding of phosphates to a protein known as tau, both of which are harmful to neurons and inhibit the brain’s ability to connect with muscles, contributing to ALS.

Richard and Kendrick are among 300 national STS Scholars who are eligible to be invited to Washington, D.C., in March to participate in final judging. While in the nation’s capital, finalists will display their work to the public, meet with notable scientists and compete for awards, including the top award of $250,000.

“We are all very proud of the research that Richard, Kendrick and so many other research students here in Manhasset have conducted,” said Tom Elkins, the school’s science, technology and health administrator. “They are dedicated to discovering solutions and making our world a better place.”

Richard and Kendrick both studied under the guidance of Manhasset Secondary School research coordinator/teacher Alison Huenger. The Regeneron Science Talent Search is the nation's most prestigious pre-college science competition. Alumni of STS have made extraordinary contributions to science and hold more than 100 of the world's most coveted science and math honors, including the Nobel Prize and the National Medal of Science. Annually, students entering the Regeneron STS compete for more than $3.1 million in awards.

Each Regeneron Scholar, selected from more than 1,900 entrants, will receive a $2,000 award with an additional $2,000 directed to his or her respective school. The 40 finalists who will compete in Washington, D.C., will be announced on Jan. 23. The district wishes the best of luck to both students as the competition continues.

Story, Photo courtesy of the Manhasset School District: (L-R) Manhasset Science, Technology and Health Administrator Tom Elkins congratulates Manhasset’s Regeneron Scholars Richard Lee and Kendrick Tak along with research coordinator/teacher Alison Huenger.