LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Samuel Epstein of John F. Kennedy
High School upon the occasion of being named a Finalist in the 2015
Intel Science Talent Search

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to commend and pay
tribute to those who, by achieving outstanding success in their educa-
tional and scientific endeavors, have inspired and brought pride to our
majestic Empire State; and
WHEREAS, It is also the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize
the dedication and commitment of our young people who distinguish them-
selves through excellence in science competition; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late Samuel Epstein of John F. Kennedy High School upon the occasion of
being named a Finalist in the 2015 Intel Science Talent Search; he will
be joining 35 other students from across the country to compete for the
Grand Prize; and
WHEREAS, The finalists will compete in Washington D.C. March 5-11,
2015; while there, the students will undergo a rigorous judging process,
talk with leading scientists, display their research to the public at
the National Geographic Society, and meet with national leaders; and
WHEREAS, Once known as the Westinghouse competition, the Intel Science
Talent Search is the oldest of its type in the nation, and is the coun-
try's most prestigious science scholarship competition; and
WHEREAS, For more than 60 years, the Intel Science Talent Search has
recognized and rewarded the country's top young science students; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, this competition has gained broad acclaim in
the academic and scientific communities; educators, scientists, engi-
neers and journalists throughout the United States have enthusiastically
supported this annual event; and
WHEREAS, Six former Intel Science Talent Search competitors have gone
on to win the prestigious Nobel Prize; and
WHEREAS, The Intel Science Talent Search was created to encourage high
school seniors who demonstrate exceptional ability in science, math and
engineering through individual research projects; and
WHEREAS, Colleges and universities regard the Intel Science Talent
Search finalist award to be evidence of exceptional scientific promise;
and
WHEREAS, Samuel Epstein, a student at John F. Kennedy High School, was
recently named a finalist in the annual Intel Science Talent Search
which awards scholarships to recognize the outstanding science research
of high school seniors; and
WHEREAS, Samuel Epstein's 2015 Intel Science Talent Search project was
entitled, "The Effects of the Modulation of TOR Signaling and Microbial
Exposure on Feeding Behavior in Drosophila melanogaster"; his research
looked at how microbes, both good and bad, might affect the daily diet
of the fruit fly, which has a life span of 10 days on average; he wanted
to see whether certain microbes increased or decreased appetite, and
whether reduced nutritional intake affected longevity; and
WHEREAS, Samuel Epstein's results indicated that microbes introduced
in the TOR pathway, from pathogens to probiotics, did affect appetite in
fruit flies; the less the fruit flies ingested, the longer they lived;
and
WHEREAS, It is appropriate to celebrate and applaud the individual
accomplishments of remarkable students such as Samuel Epstein in this
great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to congratulate Samuel
Epstein for his latest achievement, and for his noteworthy educational
and scientific endeavors and achievements; his outstanding performance
has clearly made a contribution to the spirit of excellence which is a
tradition of his school and community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Samuel Epstein of John F. Kennedy High School upon the
occasion of being named a Finalist in the 2015 Intel Science Talent
Search; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Samuel Epstein.