Sayville Science Research Student Wins Full-Ride Scholarship to Drexel University

Junior Allison Murphy's Authentic Research in Animal Sciences Wins Her a Full-Ride Scholarship to Drexel University
Sayville Junior Allison Murphy (Class of 2015) competed at the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair which took place from May 10-17 in Los Angeles, California at the Los Angeles Convention Center.  
Allison competed against 1,783 students from 72 nations.  At the ISEF Awards Ceremony, Allison was one of six students who received a full four-year scholarship($250,000) to Drexel University for her research project!

Allison traveled as part of the Long Island Science & Engineering Team. She competed in the Animal Sciences Division where she presented her authentic research which was conducted in Sayville High School's Genetics Laboratory under the direction of her Sayville Research Teacher, Maria Brown. 
 Allison's research analyzed frozen tissue samples provided by Dr. Timothy Green from Brookhaven National Laboratory on the banded sunfish, one of 11 threatened species in New York State.  
Through mitochondrial DNA analysis, Allison was able to show that individuals sampled from seven different ponds within the Peconic River system show high genetic diversity.  This information is important for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to manage this species appropriately as they are only found on Long Island within the Peconic River system.  
Allison is currently working on the next phase of her research in collaboration with NYSDEC to help them revise the Species Management Plan which is due in October.