Savina Dine Kim
New York
Commack High School
Savina Dine Kim, 17, of Dix Hills, investigated how neurotransmitters are produced and activated at the cellular and molecular
level for her Intel Science Talent Search biochemistry project. Neurotransmitters are essential to cognition, a complex function
which includes learning, memory, attention and problem solving. Studies have reported a significant decrease in these vital receptors
in the brains of patients with neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. Savina’s study of the mechanism of neurotransmitter
production and activation may open new doors to understanding the mechanics of how neuropsychiatric disorders arise and could lead to
novel strategies to stop and reverse the progression of neuropsychiatric disorders and cognitive deficits. Captain of the fencing team
at Commack High School, Savina also coaches fencing at a yearly cancer fundraiser, Lunge for Life. She is president of the school’s
science honor society and managing editor of the school paper. A pianist and cellist — she also teaches cello — Savina is a member of
several orchestras and has performed at Lincoln Center. The daughter of Hyojung and Jaeran Kim, Savina was born in Korea. She hopes to
become a neurosurgeon.
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