CEE RSI Alumna Wins Prize in Regeneron Science Talent Search

MCLEAN, Va. - March 17, 2022 - PRLog -- The Center for Excellence in Education (CEE) is pleased to announce that a CEE Research Science Institute (RSI) alumna is among the top 10 winners in the Regeneron Science Talent Search competition for high school seniors.

Amber Luo, Ward Melville High School, East Setauket, a 2021 Research Science Institute (RSI) alumna, was awarded third place and $150,000 for developing a software, RiboBayes, which identifies key regions known as "ribosome pause sites" along a cell's mRNA transcripts that regulate protein synthesis. Her tool reveals critical insights into how ribosome pause site expression is altered by diseases. By providing greater ability to locate and evaluate the key components of protein synthesis that occur at these ribosome pause sites, RiboBayes enables researchers to gain a more complete view of the mechanisms underlying a wide range of diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and cancers.

Joann DiGennaro, CEE President said, "I am so very proud of Amber, who represents the future of U.S. global leadership in science and technology."

Ms. Luo was selected from 1,804 highly qualified entrants to the Regeneron Science Talent Search, all of whom completed an original research project and an extensive application process. Three other

2021 RSI alumni were among the top 40 finalists: Max Bee-Lindgren, Decatur High School, Decatur, Ga.; Steven D. Liu, Shady Side Academy, Pittsburgh, Pa.; and Ella Wang, Basis High School, Chandler, Ariz. Twenty-four RSI alumni were among the top 300 scholars. See the full list of CEE alumni here (https://www.cee.org/news-events/press-media/rsi-alumni-am...).

The top 10 Regeneron Science Talent Search 2022 winners were announced during a live-streamed virtual awards ceremony on March 15. Regeneron awarded more than $3 million in total prizes through the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2022, including $2,000 to each of the top 300 scholars and their schools.