62nd Annual STS (2002-2003)
Finalists
Varun Kumar Narendra

NEW YORK
Varun Kumar Narendra, 17, of Bayside, constructed a bio-mathematical model of Gaucher disease, a rare inherited disorder of fat metabolism caused by an enzyme deficiency, for his Intel Science Talent Search project in biochemistry. First introduced to neurogenetics by his aunt's discussion of her Gaucher patients, he conducted laboratory analysis of patient blood samples to corroborate his reaction kinetics model of the disease at the cellular level. His study of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) using his mathematical model was supported by the blood samples leading him to identify what he believes to be the optimal dosage. Varun, who speaks Hindi and is in the National Spanish Honor Society, would like to attend Harvard and be a physician. At Stuyvesant High School in New York City, he plays football and competes on the debate team. Varun is dedicated to volunteering and founded a club at school for freshmen about volunteer opportunities in New York City. An accomplished saxophonist, he recently recorded a CD, plays in a garage jazz band and performed at Carnegie Hall. His parents are Drs. Dharamjit N. Kumar and Sudhanshu Narendra.