Top Award presented to Pittsford Middle School Student at the New York State Science Congress 2005

Sheel Tyle, an eighth grader at Pittsford Middle School, received first place recognition for his research project in the Junior Division of the New York State Science Congress held on June 4, 2005 in Old Westbury New York. The competition is in its 53^rd year and is organized by the Science Teachers Association of New York State (STANYS). Sheel was among the forty students in grades 6 through 12 that attended the weekend event. All of the students had won top recognition in their regional science fairs. Sheel represented the Central Western Section of STANYS. He had received Highest Honors at the regional competition March 19^th at St. John Fisher College.

Sheel's research project, The Effect of Müller Cells on the Survival of Photoreceptor Cells In Vitro- A Breakthrough in Retinal Eye Diseases, was conducted under the guidance of Dr. David DiLoreto at the University of Rochester Medical Center, Eye Institute. Sheel's winning status was based on the scientific merit of his project, his ability to present, answer questions, and communicate the essence of his research. Dr. Paul Lichtman, the director of the New York State Science Congress said, "Sheel is one of the finest student researchers I have ever met. Everyone who heard Sheel's presentation was in awe."

Budding Scientist Receives National Recognition in the Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge

Sheel Tyle received national recognition for his project The Effect of Müller Cells on the Survival of Photoreceptor Cells In Vitro- A Breakthrough in Retinal Eye Diseases, through the Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge. He and several other winning junior division participants at the CWS Science Congress were invited to enter the contest in the spring. He and his brother Sujay Tyle, investigator in Ethanol: The next generation's fuel?, became semi-finalists from New York State. Later, in the fall, Sheel was announced a finalist and was invited to Washington, DC along with 39 other talented, young scientists.

During the final competition, the contestants explained their projects and worked in teams to solve challenging problems with a "forces of nature" theme. Sheel was honored with a special prize due to his proficiency and enthusiasm for communicating about science. He was invited to do a voice over for the Discovery cartoon show Creepers, as a recipient of the Discovery Kids "TV Star" Award. The students had already noted his speaking talent so they voted for him to be their spokesperson at the awards ceremony!