Valencia High School Senior’s Research Recognized at Orange County Science and Engineering Fair

Last month, Aanya Amin, a senior at Valencia High School, achieved 2nd place in Pharmacology and Toxicology at the Orange County Science and Engineering Fair. Presently, she and her team are making strides as they progress to the California Science Fair, where their research undergoes evaluation at the state level. Their groundbreaking study entails introducing ethanol to chicken and duck embryos to analyze the impacts of alcohol on embryological development, mirroring the consequences of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy and the onset of fetal alcohol syndrome disorders (FASD).

With alarming FASD statistics prevalent in the United States, the primary objective of their initiative is to promote FASD awareness across communities, particularly emphasizing outreach to rehabilitation and family centers. Aanya endeavors to highlight the dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy, furnish insights on early detection methods and intervention strategies, and extend support services to affected families navigating the complexities associated with FASD.

Aanya and her team won the Drs. S. & C.C. Kar Award at the state level. This is awarded to students having excellence in original ideas and scientific thinking, passion for a career in a healthcare field, in-depth knowledge, and superior presentation of the science project. Way to go Tiger!