Tenth Grade Student Earns Top Honors in Symposium of Rising Scholars

Longwood High School senior Ray McLean won the "Most Popular Presentation" award in the online International Polygence Rising Scholars Symposium for the topic, "What are the causes and physiological implications of childhood trauma, and how does it directly manifest symptoms of stress and psychiatric disorders?" 

For over five months, Ray utilized numerous websites to read more than 90 research papers to synthesize a peer review on how childhood trauma affects different brain structures. 

"Polygence was an amazing experience for me and taught me a lot about conducting research," stated Ray. "Even if you are still determining what you want to research, plenty of resources are available to help you navigate what you want to do and how to do it. Conducting a research project was a lengthy and challenging process, but it was ultimately worth it because you can publish your work, giving you an edge in college applications." 

Polygence is a student-led research program where students worldwide are paired with mentors who help guide the research project.

 

Pictured l-r: School Counselor Megan Mancuso, Advanced Science Research Teacher Dr. Lucinda Hemmick, Ray McClean, and Principal Dr. Ahmed.