Research student gets top honors at ISEF Jericho Library features display on local history

Elif Koch at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair with her project, Impacts of Levodopa and Traditional Medicines on the Locomotion of Alpha-Synuclein Caenorhabditis elegans.

Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School research student Elif Koch earned the 4th Place Grand Award in her category at the 2023 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Dallas, Texas. This prestigious contest saw Elif compete against 1,600 young scientists representing 49 states and 64 countries from across the world.

Elif was recognized for her project, Impacts of Levodopa and Traditional Medicines on the Locomotion of AlphaSynuclein Caenorhabditis elegans, in the behavioral and social scienc- es category. Her research looks into the efficacy of medicines used to treat Parkinson’s disease. Her 4th place finish earned her a $500 prize.

Elif arrived at ISEF after strong showings at the Long Island Science and Engineering Fair, the New York State Science and Engineering Fair and the Long Island Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. In addition to earning a Grand Award at ISEF, Elif also earned the Central Intelligence Agency 2nd Place Special Award. Elif’s research was overseen by advisor Mr. Raymond Tesar.

Learn about Thomas Jones, for whom Jones Beach was named.

The Jericho Library’s Local History Display case theme for July/August is the story behind the name of Jones Beach.

The land that Robert Moses developed in Jones Beach in the late 1920s was originally the estate of Thomas Jones. Major Jones, a British sea captain/privateer, acquired the first 300 acres when he married Freelove Townsend of Oyster Bay. Over the years he expanded his holding to 6 thousand acres. His granddaughter, Arabella Jones, married a neighbor,

Richard Floyd. Their son, David Floyd, a patriot, changed his name to FloydJones to save the property from confiscation after the American Revolution. A small part of the property was still in the Jones family until 1994.

Robert Moses’ favorite project opened as a public beach in August 1929. It welcomes over 10 million people every year!

Come see the display case on the second floor of the Jericho Public Library, next to the Local History Archives.