NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. (October 11, 2025) — Breana Sinkfield-Tyler, a senior at New Rochelle High School, won gold in the medicine and health category at the 2025 Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological, and Scientific Olympics competition.
“I was really surprised when I found out I had won because there were so many impressive presentations in the medicine and health category,” Sinkfield-Tyler said. Her research project focused on the treatment of rare blood cancers.
Sinkfield-Tyler credited the New Rochelle Science Research Program for helping her explore her interest in hematology and oncology. She learned about the ACT-SO competition from Joe Andrews, a security guard at New Rochelle High School and advisor to the New Rochelle Citywide NAACP Youth Council.
“I was excited to participate in an activity that highlights Black students, their academic interests, and their cultural identity,” she said.
Sinkfield-Tyler’s passion for medicine dates to her early childhood, inspired by her aunt, Chanel Tyler, a New Rochelle High School alumna. “My interest grew specifically in hematology/oncology as I have many friends and family members who have been impacted by blood diseases, disorders, and cancers,” she said.
Looking ahead, Sinkfield-Tyler plans to earn a bachelor’s degree in cellular and molecular biology, followed by an MD-PhD. Her long-term goal is to create clinical trials and increase research representation for understudied and underserved populations.
Beyond the ACT-SO win, Sinkfield-Tyler serves as secretary of the NAACP Youth Council in New Rochelle. She also founded and runs Hope Runs Red, an organization advocating for people with blood diseases. The group has chapters in six states and Japan, and has raised about $5,000 for the Foundation for Women and Girls with Blood Disorders. It has partnered with the Hemophilia Association of New York and the Westchester Sickle Cell Outreach.
“We’re currently looking to share stories of resilience and hope,” Sinkfield-Tyler said. “Anyone who is looking to share their story or support our organization can visit our website (hoperunsred.org).”
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.