Three Women and One Man from Macaulay Win CUNY Nobel Science Challenge
April 19, 2010The CUNY Nobel Science Challenge was the brainchild of Vice Chancellor for Research, Gillian Small, who wanted CUNY's students to contribute to science literacy in New York City. The challenge was to write an essay describing the work that went into the 2010 Nobel Prizes in Chemistry, Economics, Physics, and Physiology/Medicine.
Each essay had to communicate the science in a way that could be understood by the general public. More than 100 essays were submitted from undergraduates across the CUNY system.
Among the 2010 Winners were three women and one man from Macaulay.
First place, Physics
Rakefet Ben-Ari '11 (Hunter) worked in Dr. Steve Greenbaum’s NMR lab researching batteries as an alternative energy. Rakefet is currently studying abroad for the year at Ben-Gurion University where she has been able to intern in an electrical engineering laboratory and hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in physics and career in physics research.
First place, Chemistry
Hyeondo “Luke” Hwang '13 (City) intends to major in biochemistry or chemistry. He graduated from Bergen County Academies in Hackensack, New Jersey. During high school, Luke conducted an independent study on a plasticizer/xenoestrogen known as bisphenol-A. He also interned at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s cell biology lab under the mentorship of Dr. Neena Philips. At City College, he has joined Dr. George John’s organic synthesis lab after taking a course in organic chemistry. He hopes to go into research in a chemistry-related field. As a Edward Koch Scholar for public service, Luke volunteers at a local church shelter every week.
Second place, Chemistry
Karishma Chawla '10 (Brooklyn) spent the last fours years pursuing a double major in Biology and Health and Nutrition Sciences with a minor in English. With an emphasis on pre-medical studies, Karishma’s academic career has been complemented with internship opportunities at New York Hospital Queens and various child health clinics in Brooklyn. Karishma has done research as an Academic Associate in SUNY Downstate’s Emergency Department, volunteered at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine’s ECHO Clinic in the Bronx and worked as a research assistant on a clinical study pertaining to Pediatric Asthma at the University Hospital of Brooklyn. Aside from her interests in medicine, Karishma also has ample experience in volunteer work- as a Conversation Partner with the Adult Literacy Program at Brooklyn College, a mentor for the Hour Children Program, and as an intern at The Council of Peoples’ Organization.
Currently, Karishma is also a fellow at the CUNY Leadership Academy, a tutor for the College Now Program, and has been the recipient of several academic and extracurricular distinctions such as the James Mantiband Scholarship (’07), Anne and Herbert Newman Scholarship (’09), and the Making a Difference in Human Rights Award (’09). Last January, Karishma had the opportunity to study Evolution and Ecology in Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, and just returned from another study abroad experience in Florence, Italy. She is well into the process of applying to medical school for the Fall 2010 term, and looks forward to her future career as a well-rounded and successful physician.
Third place, Chemistry
Anam Ahmed '11 (Queens) is the first in her family to attend college in the United States. She is majoring in Biochemistry with a minor is Sociology and plans to attend medical school beginning in 2011. Ms. Ahmed feels that her choice of major and minor will make her a well-informed doctor who can understand science and at the same time, take into account the values and beliefs of patients. She has been volunteering at a disadvantaged children's center in Manhattan for over a year. This past summer, Anam volunteered to teach English to 6th graders in Thailand. These two experiences have motivated her to want to work specifically with children. For the past three semesters, Ms. Ahmed has been conducting biochemistry research concerning DNA repair. Anam is a member of the Golden Key Honor Society, Beta Delta Chi (Chemistry Honor Society) and has consistently been on the Dean's List.
