Central High School senior Katie Mazalkova has been named a regional finalist in the highly prestigious 2014 Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology.
Mazalkova and her research partner, Jericho High School student William Crugnola, worked on their research project, titled “Aortic derived mesenchymal stem cells: A novel treatment for atherosclerosis cessation.” At Molloy College laboratories, she studied the immune response of macrophage cells that causes plaque buildup, and can ultimately contribute to the development of heart disease.
Understanding the interaction between this response and a specific line of stem cells found in the heart can be used to discover new ways to treat and cure atherosclerosis.
Mazalkova, an aspiring cardiologist, described the recognition as a tremendous honor. She will now have the opportunity to present her research to leading scientists at Carnegie Mellon University on Nov. 21-22. Regional winners will be invited to compete in the National Competition at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. in December.
The Siemens Competition is a highly competitive national contest that recognizes remarkable talent early in their scientific careers, fostering individual growth for high school students who are willing to challenge themselves through science research.
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