O’side senior captures Intel semifinal spot

An Oceanside High School senior has been named a semifinalist in the 2015 Intel Science Talent Search, the nation’s oldest competition for teenage researchers. Seventeen-year-old Eric Riesel said he has always been interested in the sciences and mathematics.

Using cancer as an example, Riesel said that proteins act as switches in cells, turning cancer cells on and off. Scientists have been injecting different proteins into the cells to see what they do, and feeding that information into a database. His project involved developing a computer program that would allow a doctor or scientist to scan the database and find the best match for any given case under consideration. Doctors would be able to create treatments specifically for that individual.

Thanks to Oceanside High’s college science research program, Riesel had the chance to do an internship at the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, and praised his adviser, Heather Hall. He worked on a biologically based experiment his first summer with his mentor, Dr. Marc Birtwistle of Mt. Sinai, who then suggested the computer project for Riesel’s second summer.

When not immersed in advanced research, Riesel likes to sail, and is a member of the Oceanside High law club and the Model United Nations team. He will attend Columbia University this fall, where he plans to study biophysics and economic statistics.

Each Intel semifinalist wins $1,000, plus the same amount for his or her school. On Jan. 21, 40 finalists will be chosen, and they will receive an additional $7,500. Final judging will be held in Washington, D.C., March 5-11. The first-place winners, in each of three categories — Basic Research, Global Good, and Innovation — will receive $150,000.