Ninety-six students from Nassau and Suffolk county high schools came to Stony Brook University’s Center for Science and Mathematics Education on February 28 for the sixth annual Protein Challenge, sponsored by Astellas Pharma of Farmingdale, in which students built molecular models that illustrate the link between protein structure and function. This year students and their teachers focused on the human estrogen receptor, its role in breast cancer and an associated science journal article.
Student teams used computer modeling software, online resources and foam tubes to demonstrate their creativity, building skill and knowledge of the biology behind the protein structure. The models were evaluated for accuracy by teams of judges consisting of Stony Brook students training in science and education at Stony Brook, and research scientists. Medals were awarded for first, second and third place. In a fourth “People’s Choice” category, the competitors themselves chose the winner.
This Year’s Winners
First Place: George Hewlett High School
Second Place: Farmingdale High School
Third-Place tie: Lawrence Woodmere Academy and Friends Academy
People’s Choice Award: Huntington High School
Participating Schools
Babylon High School
Division Avenue High School
Eastport-South Manor High School
Elwood-John Glenn High School
Farmingdale High School
Friends Academy
Garden City High School
General Douglas McArthur High School
Great Neck South High School
G.W. Hewlett High School
Hicksville High School
Huntington High School
Jericho High School
John F. Kennedy High School
Lawrence Woodmere Academy
Locust Valley High School
Longwood High School
North Babylon High School
Wantagh High School
Wheatley High School
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