Yusuf Ay, a Fayetteville-Manlius freshman, recently received multiple awards at a regional science fair for his independent project called “Cancer Prediction Through Modeling: Understanding Environmental and Heritable Factors.” Yusuf has had a longstanding interest in using math and computer science to explain biological processes, particularly in understanding why some people become ill while others do not.

Two F-M teachers were instrumental in sparking the idea behind Yusuf’s project. Biology teacher Mrs. Reichel fueled his curiosity in gene function and its impact on health, whereas computer science teacher Mr. Phan encouraged him to pursue additional projects outside of class. The computer skills Yusuf developed in Mr. Phan’s class enabled him to comprehend complex biological concepts, specifically how cancer initiates and progresses.

Yusuf’s project focused on breast, skin, and lung cancer, utilizing mathematical modeling and computer programming to examine how alterations in genetic DNA and environmental factors like sunlight, radiation, or pollution interplay to influence cancer risk. He hopes that his project serves as an inspiration to other students and underlines the district’s commitment to STEM education.

After completing his research, Yusuf participated in the 44th Central New York Science and Engineering Fair, hosted at Syracuse’s Museum of Science & Technology (MOST) on April 7, 2024. He received several awards at the competition, including the Regeneron Biomedical Science Award, IEEE Awards in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Le Moyne Excellence in Mathematics & Computer Science Award