HAFTR pair named Siemens semifinalists

A pair of HAFTR seniors was among the semifinalists in the 2011 Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology held on Oct. 21. Wade Miller and Erich Hirsch studied the use of graphene and graphene oxide as a potential substitute for stem cells in replacing body tissue.

Their source for the material is a body part that is often removed and discarded by dentists. “When you have it as simple as having a wisdom tooth removed, it is less pain and less risk of injury and infection,” Hirsch said. Currently, stem cells are taken from the patient’s body, which is an expensive and invasive procedure.

“The two components graphene and graphene oxide are very interesting, and putting them together is the perfect opportunity for research,” Miller said. His project with Hirsch is titled, “The Growth and Differentiation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells Plated on Polymer Scaffolds Containing Graphene and Graphene Oxide.”

Former Lawrence High School student Paul Masih Das, who discovered a new method of making graphene, inspired their study topic. Das was a 2010 Intel Science Competition finalist, is in the process of getting a patent on his research.

Both groups of students worked under the guidance of Rebecca Isseroff, the science research coordinator for both high schools, and were directed in their research by Dr. Miriam Rafailovich of Stony Brook University.

The students conducted experiments this past summer with other local high school and college students as well as with scientists, on the campus of Stony Brook.The students worked from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, living in dorms with their colleagues. “It was good to be among the like-minded, where everyone is involved in the research,” Miller said.

An interest in biomedicine prompted Hirsch’s involvement, and as he moves on to college, his curiosity about research and medicine could combine into a future career. “Research is very difficult, but very rewarding,” he said. “It is a very collaborative effort with different people in different areas of science.” Hirsch has yet to narrow down his college choices. Miller has chosen University of Pennsylvania as his college.