Melody Heeju Hong
General Douglas MacArthur High School
Levittown, New York
A Bayesian Exploration Into More Flexible trans-Methylation Quantitative Trait Locus Mapping
Melody developed a powerful, flexible statistical model. It focuses on identifying sites in the human genome that are important to understanding gene expression.
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Melody Heeju Hong, 17, of Wantagh, developed a powerful, flexible statistical model for her Regeneron Science Talent Search computational biology and bioinformatics project. Her model analyzes sites in the human genome called trans-methylation quantitative trait loci (trans-mQTL). Changes at these sites can help explain patterns in DNA methylation, which can change gene expression.
In her project, Melody created a model for mapping trans-mQTL. She wrote the code for the model herself. Her work could improve understanding of how genetics and the environment are related to complex diseases and aging.
Melody, child of Nakgyong Hong and Daeyoung Hong, attends General Douglas MacArthur High School (Levittown). She is a leader in her school’s Science Olympiad club and helps supervise online tournaments.
Beyond the Project
Melody is the principal cellist in her school’s orchestra and the New York Laureate Youth Orchestra. She is an active volunteer helping local immigrant families, including playing a benefit concert to raise funds.
FUN FACTS: Melody created a zine about flora in her homeland, South Korea. She has rallied for better inter-Korean relations. Melody walked the demilitarized zone during a peacemaking pilgrimage.
