59th Annual STS (1999–2000)
Finalists
Benjamin David Zusman

FLORIDA
Benjamin David Zusman, 17, of Hollywood, investigated gene therapy for cystic fibrosis sufferers in his biochemistry project for the Intel Science Talent Search. In work conducted at the University of Florida's genetics laboratory, Ben focused on regions of DNA called "promoters," which precede a gene's sequence and regulate its expression. His study identified a novel C( promoter that greatly improves expression of a therapeutic gene both in vitro and in vivo, and his findings, presented last year at the 13^th Annual North American Cystic Fibrosis Conference, are already contributing to gene therapy efforts. Ben hopes for a career at the forefront of gene therapy technology, and his long-term goal is to "cure myself of cystic fibrosis as well as the rest of the world." At Pine Crest School in Ft. Lauderdale, he chairs the student honor court, edits yearbook photography, and plays varsity soccer. He also plays piano and guitar, draws, paints, and is learning to sculpt. Awards include the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Math and Science Medal; and top awards in the state's science olympiad tournament. The son of Dr. Jaime and Victoria Zusman, Ben plans to attend Harvard.