Smithtown High School East Senior Emily Anne Peterson is One of 40 Chosen to Compete in Regeneron Science Talent Search Finals
Smithtown High School East senior Emily Anne Peterson is one of 40 students Nationwide, to be named a finalist in the Regeneron Science Talent Search program. Peterson will head to Washington, D.C., in March for the final judging and a chance at $250,000. During her trip, Emily Peterson will have her work on display to the public, meet with notable scientists, while she competes for awards. Emily is one of three finalists on Long Island.
“This is a well-deserved honor for Emily Peterson and we couldn’t be more proud of this amazing accomplishment… Emily’s quiet and unassuming demeanor masks the brilliance of a seasoned researcher that is well beyond her years. Her success has been realized due to her steadfast approach, insatiable work ethic, and her unparalleled inquisitiveness.” -Dr. Kevin Simmons, Smithtown High School East Principal
About Emily Peterson’s “Lecithin-Retinol Acyltransferase in Squamous Cell Carcinoma: The Relationship Between Oncology and Wound Repair.”
Peterson’s project studies a type of skin cancer called Squamous cell carcinomais and its lacking in the expression of Lecithin-Retinol Acyltransferase (LRAT), a protein involved in both wound healing and cancer. Peterson explores the role of LRAT in both wound healing and cancer progression by completing tissue culture, skin sheet formation, and analysis of the regulation of the genes involved with invasion, intercellular cohesion and coagulation. Additionally, she utilized computer coding to explore the genetic sequence homologies of LRAT to other proteins of interest. Peterson worked with Dr. Marcia Simon at Stony Brook University and submitted her research for recognition under the direction of Smithtown High School East research coordinator Maria Zeitlin.
“I am so proud that Emily has been selected as a Regeneron finalist… She has an intuitive sense for scientific investigation and a tremendous work ethic. Her selection does not surprise me as she has demonstrated keen insight into the mechanisms of wound repair and skin cancer cell mechanics.” – Maria Zeitlin, Research Coordinator Smithtown High School East