GCHS Student Named Intel Semifinalist

Abhinav Rohatgi, a senior at Garden City High School, has been named a semifinalist in the Intel Science Talent Search for his work on the environmental effects of the fuel additive methyl tertiary-butyl ether (M.T.B.E.). Mr. Rohatgi is one of only 300 students across the nation to receive the honor this year.

Exposure to M.T.B.E. can cause immune and nervous system cells to die in marine invertebrates such as those found in Long Island Sound and may be harmful to humans. Yet, although the additive is ubiquitous, little is known about its biochemical pathways. Mr. Rohatgi, a Science Research student, said he became interested in M.T.B.E. when he read a New York Times article reporting that the additive has leached into Long Island's water supply.

"Abhinav's project is of great local interest," Science Research Teacher Steven Gordon, Ph.D, said. "His work has widespread implications for deciphering the potential detrimental effects of lingering M.T.B.E. on our local ecosystem and may be helpful to regulators working to make Long Island's water supply safer."

The Intel competition is often referred to as the "Junior Nobel Prize." Each semifinalist receives $1,000, and an additional $1,000 is awarded to their respective schools. On January 31, 40 finalists will be named. In March, the finalists will travel to Washington for a weeklong event culminating in the selection of 10 students who are warded scholarships totaling $500,000.

The Science Research program at Garden City High School is affiliated with the University in the High School program at SUNY Albany. This unique partnership enables high school students to receive up to 12 college credits for their participation in the program. Science research students typically enroll in the course at the beginning of the sophomore year and continue through the senior year.

Students in the Garden City program participate in local science competitions such as the LISEF (Long Island Science and Engineering Fair) and Adelphi University JSHS (Junior Science and Humanities Symposium) and national competitions such as the Siemens and Intel talent searches.