MARC UMLAS

1980, Science

North Miami Beach High

Q: What do you remember about the night you won your Silver Knight award?

A: It was probably one of the most exciting nights of my life. They really build up the apprehension there. They start reading this little biography of you and soon you realize, 'Hey, that's me.' I still remember the name of my research project: The Effects of Microwave Hyperthermia on DNA Synthesis and Tumor Blood Flow in the Malignant Murine Ependymoblastoma.

Q: How do people react when they find out you're a Silver Knight winner?

A: It's one of the things I get the most kudos for (he laughs). Everyone else seems impressed. It's one of the things I'm most proud of.

Q: Tell us about your life now.

A: I'm an orthopedic surgeon at Mount Sinai Medical Center. I'm also still doing research and teaching residents and fellows, and I interview Harvard University undergraduate applicants.

Q: What advice do you have for students who want to be Silver Knights?

A: The only thing we have of any value is our time and you never get it back, so find something that you're passionate about and do it. You shouldn't do it with an eye out for getting recognition from other people -- you do it for yourself.