Agenda Item
a. Student Recognition: 2024 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair Award Winner
Summary: Presented by: Mrs. Anna Hill, Board Member, District 1
Request: It is requested that the Board of Education recognize Deeksha Khanna of Chamblee Charter High School for receiving the Fourth Award in Behavioral and Social Sciences for her science project titled, Elucidating the Behavioral, Pathogenetic, and Therapeutic Implications of Selectively Inhibited Monogenic Variants in Fragile X Syndrome Associated Genetic Epliepsy in Drosophila Melanogaster. The competition took place during the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Los Angeles on May 17, 2024.
Why: Deeksha Khanna's science fair project titled, Elucidating the Behavioral, Pathogenetic, and Therapeutic Implications of Selectively Inhibited Monogenic Variants in Fragile X Syndrome Associated Genetic Epliepsy in Drosophila Melanogaster received the Fourth Award at the 2024 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, and a $500 prize.
Details: Deeksha Khanna's project, titled Elucidating the Behavioral, Pathogenetic, and Therapeutic Implications of Selectively Inhibited Monogenic Variants in Fragile X Syndrome Associated Genetic Epliepsy in Drosophila Melanogaster, presented at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair on May 17, 2024, explored the genetic and therapeutic aspects fo Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) using fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) as a model organism.
This study provided valuable insights into the mechanisms of FXS and the role of genetic mutations in its manifestation, potentially guiding future therapeutic strategies for managing FXS-related epilepsy.
Contest Structure
The fair covers a wide range of scientific disciplines, including animal sciences, behavioral and social sciences, biochemistry, biomedical and health sciences, chemistry, computational biology and bioinformatics, earth, and environmental sciences, and many more.
Financial impact: None
Contact: Ms. Stacy E. Stepney, Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.0731,
Dr. Sean R. Tartt, Deputy Chief Academic Officer, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678,676.0731,
Dr. Rose Prejean-Harris, Assistant Superintendent, 6-12 Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.0731,
Mrs. Stephanie Brown-Bryant, Director, K-12, Teaching & Learning, Division of Curriculum & Instruction, 678.676.0161
Effective: August 12, 2024
Status: Attorney Approval Not Required
P R O C L A M AT I O N
Honoring Deeksha Khanna
Recipient of the Fourth Award in Behavioral and Social Sciences presented at the
2024 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair
August 12, 2024
WHEREAS: The DeKalb County Board of Education is committed to excellence in education and
fostering a love of learning in all our students; and
WHEREAS: A strong foundation in science, including behavioral and social sciences, is essential for
student success; and
WHEREAS: Chamblee Charter High School student, Deeksha Khanna, has demonstrated exceptional
perseverance; and
WHEREAS: Deeksha’s work was showcased in the 2024 Regeneron International Science and
Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Los Angeles on May 17, 2024.
WHEREAS: Impressively, Deeksha received the Fourth Award in Behavioral and Social Sciences for
showcasing extraordinary academic excellence.
THEREFORE: Be it known that the DeKalb County School District recognizes Deeksha Khanna for her
science project titled, Elucidating the Behavioral, Pathogenetic, and Therapeutic
Implications of Selectively Inhibited Monogenic Variants in Fragile X Syndrome
Associated Genetic Epilepsy in Drosophila Melanogaster. Her study provided valuable
insights into the mechanisms of FXS and the role of genetic mutations in its manifestation,
potentially guiding future therapeutic strategies for managing FXS-related epilepsy Deeksha’s
dedication to scientific research serves as an inspiration to all students. The Board
congratulates Deeksha, her teachers, and her family on this remarkable achievement.
Mr. Diijon DaCosta Sr. Mrs. Deirdre P. Pierce
Mrs. Vickie
DeKalb B.School
County Turner, Chair
District DeKalb CountyDaCosta,
Mr. Diijon Vice Chair
School District
Board Chair Board Vice Chair
Mrs. Cheryl Watson-Harris, Superintendent
Dr.Devon
Dr. DevonQ.Horton
Horton
DeKalb County School District
Superintendent