Brentwood, MRH Students Honored by UMSL

High school students from both Brentwood and Maplewood Richmond Heights high schools were among some of the best and brightest St. Louis area students honored in February by the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. 

Jack Wright from Brentwood High School and John O'Keefe from Maplewood Richmond Heights High School received this year's Distinguished Achievement Award for Excellence in Science honor.

The students had to have good grades and demonstrate outstanding capabilities in the sciences. 

Students, their parents and teachers were treated to dinner and a piano performance by UMSL Chancellor and jazz aficionado Tom George. Guests heard former Sen. Jean Carnahan read a proclamation issued by Gov. Jay Nixon on science education. The keynote speaker was Michael Nichols, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry at UMSL. He gave a speech titled “Proteins Behaving Badly in Alzheimer’s Disease.”  

Nichols has led a team of researchers in the characterization of a small protein that is the primary cause of Alzheimer’s disease. This protein has a unique property in that it self-associates with itself to form larger species that lead to the death of brain cells.  

STEM refers to the areas of science, technology, engineering and math.

“Accomplishments in the STEM disciplines represent an essential component for America’s future,” said Ron Yasbin, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

“As a nation we need to nurture and support those students who will be the leaders in advancing our knowledge of those disciplines," he said. "By honoring students who have demonstrated truly outstanding capabilities in the sciences we are helping to reinforce the importance of these areas of study and research.”