sy0225-1

The Pelham Public Schools is thrilled to share that PMHS seniors Madeleine Pachella and Axel Robinson were among the top 300 scholars in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. 

Madeleine and Axel were selected from nearly 2,500 entrants from 795 high schools across 48 states, American Samoa, Guam, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and 14 other countries. They will each be awarded $2,000 along with an additional $4,000 awarded to PMHS.

Scholars were chosen based on their outstanding research, leadership skills, community involvement, commitment to academics, creativity in asking scientific questions and exceptional promise as STEM leaders demonstrated through the submission of their original, independent research projects, essays and recommendations.

Madeleine’s project was titled “Analyzing B Cell Classification Changes in the Cerebrospinal Fluid and Blood Influenced by Ocrelizumab Treatment in Multiple Sclerosis” and Axel’s was titled “Insomnia Phenotypes and Their Adverse Health Effects.” The abstracts of each project are as follows:

Analyzing B Cell Classification 

Changes in the Cerebrospinal Fluid and Blood Influenced by Ocrelizumab Treatment in Multiple Sclerosis by Madeleine Pachella

The B cells in our immune systems are some of the most active contributors to multiple sclerosis pathology. Ocrelizumab, more commonly known as Ocrevus, is a drug that targets these B cells that prompt T cells to attack the myelin of the central nervous system by depleting the populations to minimize the attack and therefore prevent relapse. There have been studies examining the effects of the drug on the immune system as a whole; however, it has yet to be discovered how the classifications of these B cells change from pre-treatment to post-treatment. This is imperative to look into as it determines the true efficacy of the drug and the possibility of patients experiencing relapse- so, in my study, I investigated how B cell classifications change as a result of the Ocrelizumab treatment for multiple sclerosis.

Insomnia Phenotypes and Their Adverse Health Effects by Axel Robinson

Insomnia is the most prevalent sleep disorder that is stereotyped by symptoms of difficulty falling asleep (DFA) and difficulty staying asleep (DSA). While people often associate insomnia with DFA and DSA, they frequently overlook the fact that insomnia has two prevalent phenotypes that present themselves differently: insomnia with normal sleep disorder (INSD) and insomnia with short sleep disorder (ISSD). Unlike with general insomnia disorder, there are few studies that examine INSD and ISSD and the exclusive and shared health disorders that these phenotypes are associated with. Amidst already limited research on INSD and ISSD, almost no studies examine insomnia phenotypes in an adolescent sample. The goal of this study is to examine the associations between INSD and ISSD and mental and physical health disorders and substance use, all while controlling for demographic characteristics. The study concluded that both phenotypes are strongly associated with mental health disorders including ADHD, learning disorders, and internalizing disorders. INSD and ISSD are also associated with physical health disorders, including respiratory disorders and neurological disorders. Interestingly, short sleep disorder, which is its own disorder and is not a branch of insomnia, is extremely strongly associated with high blood pressure. As for substance use, tobacco use is most strongly associated with both phenotypes, and use of any psychoactive medication is also associated with both phenotypes. These findings are significant because the INSD and ISSD phenotypes have not previously been associated with health disorders and substance use in adolescents.

“Congratulations to the 300 scholars in this year’s Regeneron Science Talent Search,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO, Society for Science and Executive Publisher, Science News.  “With a record-breaking number of applications, these exceptional young scientists and engineers represent the best in the nation. We are thrilled to celebrate their ingenuity, hard work, and passion for STEM.”

About the PMHS Science Research Program: The PMHS Science Research program is taught by Steve Beltecas and Joe DiBello. Students work with professional mentors in a variety of fields ranging from environmental and behavioral sciences to cancer research, among others. The students are able to work together and often review each other’s work, providing feedback and honing their presentation and public speaking skills.

About the Regeneron Science Talent Search and Society for Science: The Regeneron Science Talent Search recognizes and empowers our nation’s most promising young scientists who are generating innovative solutions to solve significant global challenges through rigorous research and discoveries. The competition provides students with a national stage to present new ideas and challenge conventional ways of thinking.

Now in its 103rd year, Society for Science has played a significant role in educating the public about scientific discoveries as well as in identifying future leaders in science, technology, engineering and math. Regeneron has sponsored the Science Talent Search since 2017 as part of its deep commitment to STEM education and to supporting young scientists.