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Health & Fitness

Mahopac Student Takes to the Airwaves with Science Research Project

There are many talented scientists in high school, but not too many can boast being the subject of a radio program. Mahopac High School senior Alexandra Fall can make that claim, after receiving the Acorda Scientific Excellence Award. Her prize? An appearance as a guest on the “Acorda Scientific Excellence Award” radio program hosted by Lisa Wexler, where she discussed her science research project. The show will air this Sunday at 9:30 am on WFAS Radio, AM 1230.

As part of the Advanced Science and Technology Research program at Mahopac High School, Fall worked with a mentor from Danbury Hospital Biomedical Research Institute over the summer to determine the shape and growth of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme Disease, in order to develop a faster diagnostic procedure. Through their research, they were able to determine that the ideal growth temperature for the bacteria is 37 degrees Celsius, a finding that it is hoped will help develop a faster means of diagnosing the disease. This is Fall’s second year in the two-year program at the school.

Acorda, a biotechnology company in Ardsley, whose mission is to develop therapies to restore neurological function in people with multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury and other disorders of the nervous system, partnered with the “The Lisa Wexler Show” this school year to create the award. The company recognizes Westchester and Putnam County high school students who are engaged in highly significant scientific, technological, engineering and mathematical research with the award, which is given out to a different student each week.

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Mahopac High School Science and Technology Research teacher Elizabeth Stephens isn’t surprised by Fall’s achievements.

“Alexandra’s research over this past summer has helped her to grow in a way that most high school students do not have the opportunity to experience until they are in college,” Stephens said. “I am confident that this award is the first of many scientific accomplishments Alexandra will attain throughout college and her career.”

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Fall plans to study either biology or biochemistry in college. She credits Mahopac High School’s Science Research class with helping her reach her goals. “It’s definitely my favorite class I’ve taken in high school,” she said. “Being able to experience research at such a young age has really taught me a lot.”


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