Lynbrook High School is thrilled to announce that Eric Reilly was named a semifinalist in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. Eric is among 300 scholars who will be awarded $2,000 each as well as $2,000 for their schools. 

Eric’s project, titled “The Visible Light-Induced Photocatalytic Oxidation of Aromatic Alcohols to Carbonyls and Peroxides Using Green Chemistry Principles,” has potential practical and sustainable effects on pharmaceutical medicine. Beginning at Princeton University and continuing his research at Hofstra University, Eric established a new mechanism to reduce toxic byproducts while adding an oxygen molecule to alcohols – yielding a more environmentally-safe and cost-effective practice. Eric was inspired by Nobel Prize-winning chemist David MacMillan – who recently visited Lynbrook High School – and began his research in Dr. MacMillan’s Princeton laboratory as a sophomore. Working with a PhD student of Dr. MacMillan’s, Eric’s work built on the published papers of Dr. MacMillan’s research group. Eric’s research is ongoing, as he will return to the laboratory in February for his Science Research course. 

Eric thanked the Science Research department at Lynbrook High School for their support, including his eight fellow students and teachers Charles Vessalico and Kathleen McAuley. 

“It’s the most valuable class I have taken,” Eric explained. “All my presentation skills, my research skills – almost every essential skill – was built through the Research department.” 

On Jan. 23, 40 of the 300 scholars will be named Regeneron Science Talent Search finalists. The finalists will then compete for more than $1.8 million in awards during a weeklong competition in Washington, D.C., taking place March 6-12.  

Date Added: 1/10/2025