Senior science research student Eric Reilly was named a Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar, placing him in the top 300 out of around 2,000 applicants. Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) is a prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors led by the Society for Science.
For this competition, students conducted their research throughout the previous school year and into the summer. Then during the fall of their senior year, they work to perfect their research papers and finish data collection if necessary. Furthermore, Regeneron consists of 12 tasks, and when all are complete, one is ready to submit. These tasks include a research paper, a Common App essay, an essay on the student’s potential as a scientist, information on one’s mentor, past research experiences, as well as basic contact info. STS looks for students who have scientific leadership abilities. Out of the average 2,000 students who apply, the top 300 STS scholars receive $2,000 each, and their schools receive $2,000 to use for STEM activities.
For his project, Reilly researched, “The Visible-Light-Induced Photocatalytic Oxidation of Aromatic Alcohols to Carbonyls and Peroxides using Green Chemistry Principles.” Reilly explained, “My project involves using green chemistry to create sustainable reaction conditions for pharmaceutical production and medicinal synthesis. I tested various photocatalysts, wavelengths of light, atmospheres, and solvents, finding that multiple dye-based photocatalysts performed just as well as less sustainable transition metal catalysts. Additionally, the use of dye-based catalysts resulted in the novel formation of peroxides.” Inspired by scientists such as award-winning chemist Dr. David MacMillan, Reilly began his research his junior year and continued throughout the summer and into his senior year.
Science Research teacher Kathleen McAuley believes Eric could not be more deserving of this recognition: “Eric is a phenomenal student. He is driven and dedicated, and anyone who is fortunate enough to hear about his research knows that he is also passionate about green chemistry.” Science Research and AP Biology teacher Charles Vessalico expressed, “Eric has become an outstanding scientist. When I visited him in the lab at Hofstra over the summer, I’ll never forget what his mentor told me. She said, ‘Eric is more competent in the lab than many of the graduate students she has worked with.’ I feel extremely proud and happy for Eric. He has worked so hard over the past four years in the research program. This win is well deserved.”
In regard to this new achievement, Reilly shared, “It truly is an honor to be named a Regeneron STS Scholar and be placed in the same vein as the current leaders in science research. Becoming a part of Regeneron’s alumni network puts me in a position to directly connect to research in my field and eventually become a mentor for future student researchers and STS scholars. Being recognized makes me realize that my work is genuinely significant, further motivating me in my goal to improve medicinal synthesis and make pharmaceuticals accessible to everyone.”
McAuley said, “This year had the most STS applicants in history, breaking all past records and making this year the most competitive year yet. Even more of a reason to congratulate Eric for being awarded an STS Scholar.” Vessalico added, “I look forward to seeing how Eric will do in all the other competitions this year and hope he is able to publish his work in a scientific journal.”
