Previously, Caputo had earned first place at the preliminary regional competition at the University of Scranton Brain Bee competition, which earned him the honor of advancing to nationals. In winning the regional event, Caputo competed against 43 area high school students and was awarded a $1,000 scholarship to the University of Scranton.

“We congratulate Joseph on his accomplishment at both the Northeast Pennsylvania Brain Bee and placing fourth in the nation at the national competition,” said MMI President William A. Shergalis, Ph.D.

The U.S. National Brain Bee is a live question-and-answer competition that tests the neuroscience knowledge of high school students. Young men and women from high schools throughout the United States compete to determine who is the “best brain” on such topics as intelligence, memory, emotions, sensations, movement, stress, aging, sleep and brain disorders.

The U.S. Brain Bee was created to motivate youth to learn about the brain, and inspire them to pursue careers in biomedical brain research.

Part of Caputo’s preparation and study at the University of Scranton included dissecting a sheep brain and examining a human brain to learn more about the different areas of the brain and the functions they perform.

Caputo received additional in-depth training for the national competition from University of Scranton Neuroscience Program Director J. Timothy Cannon, Ph.D.

Caputo is the son of Richard and Fran Mannell, Hazleton, and Joseph Caputo, Drums.

Anthony Gennaro is the MMI AP biology teacher and Caputo’s advisor for the competition.