Friday, February 7, 2025
Eric Reilly, a senior at Lynbrook High School, has been named a semifinalist in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search, one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competitions for high school seniors. He is among 300 scholars selected to receive a $2,000 award, with an additional $2,000 awarded to his school. Long Island had 49 semifinalists, more than other regions across the U.S.
“I was surprised because for the last four years we have been told how competitive it is in our science research class,” Reilly said. “It seemed almost unattainable.”
Reilly’s project, “The Visible Light-Induced Photocatalytic Oxidation of Aromatic Alcohols to Carbonyls and Peroxides Using Green Chemistry Principles,” explores sustainable chemical reactions with potential applications in pharmaceutical medicine.
Reilly’s research, which began at Princeton University and continued at Hofstra University, introduces a mechanism that reduces toxic byproducts while adding an oxygen molecule to alcohols, making the process more environmentally safe and cost-effective.
Reilly worked with a PhD student from the lab of Nobel Prize-winning chemist David MacMillan, who recently visited Lynbrook High School. The project builds on published work from MacMillan’s research group.
“It’s catalyzing people to think about science, catalyzing people to think about careers,” MacMillan said in an interview at the event on November 18, 2024. “So, there's all these symbols of catalysis that go beyond the research.
Reilly plans to return to the laboratory in February to continue his research as part of his Science Research course.
“I’m grateful for the support I received from the Science Research department at Lynbrook High School,” Reilly said. “All my presentation skills, research skills, and essential skills were built through this program.”
The Science Research and AP Chemistry programs at Lynbrook High School offer students an in-depth exploration of scientific inquiry and advanced chemistry concepts. Students in these programs are encouraged to engage in hands-on research and develop a deeper understanding of how scientific principles apply to the real world, said science teacher Chuck Vessalico.
“I think it’s probably the most important program because it teaches them, not only the science, but the ability to work in science: soft skills, how to communicate with scientists, how to actually publish their research,” Vessalico said.
He said he worked with Yalan Xing, an associate professor of chemistry at Hofstra University, and gained a lot of insight in the meticulous process of testing and research.
Reilly said he plans to double major in chemistry and musical performance in college.
On Jan. 23, 40 of the 300 semi finalists will be named finalists. The finalists will compete for more than $1.8 million in awards during a weeklong competition in Washington, D.C., from March 6-12.
