A Pittsburgh Allderdice High School student was named a scholar in Regeneron Science Talent Search, the oldest and most prestigious high school graduate science and math competition.
Hannah Barsouk, 17, was among 300 undergraduate students recognized by Regeneron and the Society for Science. Scholars will receive an award of $ 2,000 and the school will receive an additional $ 2,000.
Janet Waldeck, a science teacher at Allderdice, taught Barsouk for two years. She said Barsouk “does scientific research into how an Olympic athlete trains for a sport.”
Barsouk, a senior, received recognition for a project titled “Cross-Species Complementation Experiment to Study the Role of ALPHA Arrestins in Mammals in Glucose Transporter Trafficking”.
“Hannah tries to understand how a cell controls what comes in. This is called protein trading,” explained Waldeck. “It’s like a police officer at an intersection directing traffic. When a cell is making a protein, how does it know where to send those proteins to? Who decides where to go? How does a cell know that it is changing traffic patterns to get what it needs? “
Barsouk’s research focuses on how this process works in humans, Waldeck said. It could have uses in the treatment of diabetes and cancer.
“She’s definitely going to college to be a scientist,” said Waldeck.
This year’s Regeneron Science Talent Search scientists were selected from 1,760 applicants. The scholars represent 198 American and international high schools in 37 states, Puerto Rico, Chinese Taipei, and Singapore.
On January 21st, 40 of the 300 scientists will be named finalists. Finalists will then compete for more than $ 1.8 million in Regeneron awards.
“It’s a great honor,” said Allderdice Director James McCoy. “It says a lot about Hannah. She is committed to everything she does academically and in things outside of school. She is the ultimate team player in the sense that she has achieved so many things herself, but she is always eager to help others. We are proud to have you here. “
McCoy said several other Allderdice students have been recognized by the program in recent years. He said it was a will for the students and the science department.
While Barsouk was honored for her scientific research, Waldeck said she was a versatile student who is involved in various clubs.
“She is a leader. When she’s in the classroom, I feel like my right hand. Children look at them with respect, ”said Waldeck.
Alumni of this prestigious program received coveted science and math awards, including 13 Nobel Prizes, 11 National Science Medals, six Breakthrough Awards, 21 MacArthur Foundation Scholarships, and two Fields Medals.
“An exceptional group of student leaders and innovators consists of this year’s Regeneron Science Talent Search with a series of projects that demonstrate the power of science,” said Hala Mizra, senior vice president of corporate communications and citizenship at Regeneron. “We are honored to celebrate the next generation of young scientists and inventors who, through their high quality research and novel discoveries, can advance the STEM community and our broader society. These are the inspiring problem solvers who will help address the current and future challenges of our world. “
Julia Felton is a contributor to Tribune Review. You can contact Julia at 724-226-7724, jfelton@triblive.com, or on Twitter.
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