Junior Emily Huang has won the annual Competition for Young Biomedical Scientists (CYBMS) hosted by the Association of Chinese American Physicians. Previously she was a semifinalist in the competition, about which she said, “I was actually really surprised,” recalls junior Emily Huang, “. . . since the chances of your own research getting recognized is so small.”

Emily’s project, “TCA Contamination in Groundwater: Inflammatory and Pro-Cancer Effects through Estrogen Signaling,” was conducted under the tutelage of Professor Wei Zhu.  Her project focused on the “possible reasons behind the increased incidence rate of breast cancer on Long Island,” especially “possible chemical causes,” given the large number of polluted areas on Long Island.  In particular, she investigated the chemical 1,1,1-trichloroethane.  The research was performed during the summer prior to her sophomore year.  Research was split at SUNY Old Westbury and a lab Emily’s mentor rented, for seven to eight hours a day for three weeks.

Previously, in 2015, Emily entered her project in the Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology.  She was named a semifinalist.

For the CYBMS, Emily submitted the abstract of her project.  Upon being recognized as a semifinalist, her abstract was published in the annual convention journal of the Association of Chinese American Physicians along with the other semifinalists.  She remarks, “I’m very happy [I] entered the semifinals . . . it gives me more chances to show off my research.”  On Sunday, May 21^st, Emily presented her research to the association’s board at the 22^nd annual convention.  There, she won top honors.

Currently, Emily is exploring the impact of 1,1,1-trichloroethane on either causing or increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.  She is conducting this research under the guidance of Professor Wei Zhu once more.  For those wishing to or preparing for research in a lab, Emily recommends to “choose a project or mentor that does research that interests you.”  She adds, “Being stuck with a topic that you find boring, and having to work on it day after day, hour after hour, will get tiring.”

We wish Emily the best of luck in her future endeavors.