Guilderland High School student Flora Wu was recently recognized as one of the nation’s top teen scientists by the Society for Science. Flora competed with over 2,600 students from 826 high schools to be named a Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar. To compete, students submit original, independent research addressing major scientific and societal challenges.
Flora chose to submit research on a severe birth defect, Cyanotic Congenital Heart Defects (CCHD), which saw an 18% rise from 2016 to 2022. Her paper, entitled “The Impact of Maternal Risk Factors and Drinking Water Contaminants on Cyanotic Congenital Heart Defects,” examines what factors may contribute to the birth defect. It will be published later this year in an issue of the Journal of Emerging Investigators.
“I chose CCHD,” said Flora, “because there simply has not been enough research into why the condition seems to be on the rise. I wanted to become part of a solution that helps women deliver healthy babies.”
Flora’s study examined the effects of both maternal risk factors and drinking water contaminants on CCHD. Findings suggest that maternal risk factors, including advanced maternal age, smoking and medical conditions such as diabetes and obesity, may increase risk of CCHD. The study also found that there is a positive correlation between high nitrate concentrations in water and CCHD.
Guilderland High School teacher Patrick Williams encouraged Flora to participate in the STEM competition: “Flora was a student in my Science Research Seminar. Her enthusiasm and research skills really stood out to me,” added Williams. “That’s why I recommended she compete for the Regeneron STS award. I know she will go on to make a significant contribution to scientific thought and advance our understanding of the world around us.”
Flora was also mentored by Dr. Wan-Hsiang Hsu, Assistant Research Professor at the State University of New York at Albany, who helped her with experimental design, data analysis and scientific writing.
Each Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar receives a $2,000 award and $2,000 for their school. Flora intends to save her $2,000 award for college tuition and future research. Guilderland High School plans to earmark the $2,000 award for additional STEM programming.