Congratulations to Bethlehem Central High School senior Jacob Lyubarov, who received the Linda Austin DNA Science & Technology Award at last weekend’s Regeneron Greater Capital Region Science and Engineering Fair (GCRSEF).
Now in its 36th year, the GCRSEF showcases students’ original scientific research. This year, competitors from 30 high schools presented projects across 22 categories, ranging from animal science and environmental engineering to translational medical science.
Lyubarov’s project, “Transcriptomic Analysis of Differentially Expressed Genes and Alternative Splicing Events in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease,” analyzed a previously published dataset of mRNA extracted from neurons of brains with and without Alzheimer’s. Using programming to compile and analyze the raw data, he identified trends in gene expression and expression levels. His work uncovered multiple genes not previously directly linked to Alzheimer’s disease.
“My great-grandmother, whom I used to visit monthly growing up, suffered from Alzheimer’s dementia, which sparked my interest in neuroscience,” Lyubarov said. “I was always interested in math and computer science, so I wanted to learn more about bioinformatics. I felt like this research project allowed me to both research Alzheimer’s and learn bioinformatics.”
Lyubarov credited his mentor, Claudia Lennon, a bioinformatics specialist at UAlbany’s RNA Institute, and Jennifer Gonyea, the district’s K–12 science supervisor, for their support in preparing him for the fair.
“Jacob’s passion for scientific research took root in ninth grade and has only intensified since,” Gonyea said. “Following months of rigorous work at UAlbany, his bioinformatics research identified genes that warrant further study in relation to Alzheimer’s progression.
“His award at the Regeneron Science Fair is a well-deserved recognition of his technical expertise and tireless work ethic.”
When asked whether he plans to continue research after high school, Lyubarov replied, “Of course. I want to pursue computational neuroscience and medical device development.”
Way to go, Jacob!