“Schechter gave me the tools to dig deep into complicated texts and concepts through the robust dual curriculum while nurturing my curiosity to explore and seek new knowledge” – Daniel Weisskopf, SSDS Class of 2021
After five months of studying, attending lectures, taking seven exams and a cumulative
final, writing a research paper, and conducting his own research, DanielWeisskopf earned 2nd place in the Jerusalem Science Contest — an international competition for 11th and 12th grade Jewish high school students who are interested in learning a cutting edge science topic and its Judaic relevance.
This year the topic was Neuroscience. For Daniel’s topic, When the Brain and Body Don’t Meet: Myelin and MS, he researched and tested his hypothesis: If Multiple Sclerosis is diagnosed early on using biomarkers, then it should be treatable by a remyelinating agent or RNA Lipid Nanoparticle therapy.
“Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disorder caused by the destruction of the myelin sheath by the body’s immune response,” Daniel said. “I want to investigate what causes this attack and how it can be treated, both physiologically and mentally. My grandfather has MS and I have seen how his intentions are not realized by his body. He is so full of life, yet his body won’t comply. If a remyelinating agent can be found, people like my grandpa can be revitalized.”
The link to the website is:
https://walderlab.org/jerusalem/#
Daniel won a cash prize, a stipend for RZJHS, and an eight day trip to Israel in June.
Daniel will present his research on March 18th at the Walder annual JSC celebration with the top finalists from around the globe.
