Assembly Resolution No. 30

BY: M. of A. Ra

CONGRATULATING Lucy Zha upon the occasion of her
designation as a Finalist in the Regeneron Science
Talent Search

WHEREAS, It is the intent of this Legislative Body to commend and
pay tribute to those young people who, by achieving outstanding success
in educational competition, have inspired and brought pride to our
majestic Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
congratulate Lucy Zha upon the occasion of her designation as a Finalist
in the Regeneron Science Talent Search; and

WHEREAS, Educational competitions which serve to better prepare our
students for their future participation in the areas of Science and
Technology are worthy of praise and support; and

WHEREAS, The Regeneron Science Talent Search, founded in 1942, is
the country's oldest student research competition and is based in
Westchester County; and

WHEREAS, Lucy Zha is among 40 finalists nationwide who will
participate in a virtual competition from March 10-17, 2021, where she
will compete before panels of expert judges for more than $1.8 million
in total awards; and

WHEREAS, A senior at The Wheatley School in the East Willison
district of Old Westbury, New York, Lucy Zha was selected from 300
semifinalist scholars and a total applicant pool of more than 1,700; and

WHEREAS, For her project, Lucy Zha studied the potential of the
plant-based chemicals curcumin and capsaicin on neuroblastoma cells, as
well as their effects on hypothalamic cells; she chose her topic after
she noticed curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory compound, on the
pharmacy shelf while shopping for medicine for a close relative who was
diagnosed with thyroid cancer; and

WHEREAS, Lucy Zha further studied the plant-based chemicals at the
University of Massachusetts at Amherst for the start of her research and
finished at a lab at SUNY Westbury where she worked with Professor Wei
Zhu; and

WHEREAS, Lucy Zha, a truly incredible and brilliant young woman,
plans to continue her education and major in environmental science and
public health; and

WHEREAS, In achieving this high academic honor, 17-year-old Lucy Zha
takes just pride in the inspiration and contribution to the spirit of
excellence she brings to her family, friends, community and school; and

WHEREAS, Poised eagerly with enthusiasm and determined purpose, this
scholar now stands honorably, with just pride in her accomplishments and

in eager anticipation of future challenges, understanding and
appreciating the caring counsel and support provided by her teachers,
coaches and parents; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Lucy Zha upon the occasion of her designation as a Finalist
in the Regeneron Science Talent Search; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Lucy Zha.