Senior wins "Advancing Science for Better Health" award

Senior Daniel Aisen received the first ever "Advancing Science for Better Health" award at Montgomery County's 49th Annual Area Science Fair on March 13 in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

The award was presented by MedImmune Inc., a drug company located in Gaithersburg that sponsored this year's science fair. According to a press release from MedImmune Inc., the award was created to recognize a Montgomery County junior or senior involved in a project relevant to causes, treatment and prevention of human disease. Aisen was presented with a $100 check and offered a six-week, paid internship at MedImmune.

Aisen worked on his project, officially titled "Association between Galanin Receptor 3 Polymorphisms and Post-Discectomy Sciatic Pain," for the last two summers as part of his senior research project for Blair's Magnet program. With the help of mentor Mitchell Max from the National Institute of Health, Aisen examined the galanin receptor 3 gene and the pain perception of patients who suffered from sciatic nerve injury. Aisen discovered two different versions of the gene and found that depending on which version the patient had, he/she would experience more or less pain.

Many students in the Magnet entered the science fair after having put forth a great deal of effort. "We all worked really hard on our projects," said Aisen, who added that he "just clicked" with several judges from MedImmune, which probably helped him win the award. Aisen said he plans to take part in MedImmune's internship opportunity this summer, which he believes will help him in making a decision about what area to study in college.