| Biographies |
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| Wei-Wei - Ever since I was young, my defiance led to questions like why is it like that? and how come that’s true? This eventually led me to the curious realm of science. In pursuing scientific research, I have finally found a way to put my questions to a practical use. Just like it found science, my defiance also found other outlets. I am involved in the school debate team, placing 2nd team at the 2006 Regional Impromptu Tournament, as well as being invited to the 2008 International People to People Future Leaders Summit from the office of Mary Jean Eisenhower. I am actively involved in sports, being a past time competitive swimmer and received my National Lifesaving Society Award in 2007. I am also a past winner of the Kiwanis Music Festival in both piano and violin. I am also a previous winner of Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision and my research in Alzheimer’s placed 2nd at the 2008 Sanofi-Aventis Biotalent Challenge. When I’m not busy with IB, Model UN and musical theatre, you may find me figure skating, volunteering in the Salvation Army or practicing martial arts. In the fall I will be studying biological sciences at the University of Calgary. | | Yang - Since childhood, I have always wanted to glimpse at the hidden beauty of mother nature; scientific research has given me the vehicle, curiosity and perseverance the fuel. But science is not my only passion. I am an avid member of the Youth Volunteer Corps and lead several service projects ranging from feeding the homeless to helping AIDS orphans in Africa. When I am not busy with Model UN, math contests, or Stock Market Competition, I enjoy playing the piano, hiking, and designing high heel shoes. Last summer, I attended Shad Valley and became greatly interested in engineering, because I realized that engineering is one of the most direct and practical means to raise the quality of life around the world. I plan to study chemical engineering at Princeton University next year. I particularly look forward to joining the Engineers without Borders to help children and families in developing countries. My research on Alzheimer's led me to won 1st and 2nd place at the regional Sanofi-Aventis Biotechnology Challenge. I represented Calgary at the national competition and placed 3rd in 2006. I received the Viscount Bennett Scholarship for top grade 11 student, as well as the Canadian Millennium Scholarship national award. |
| Wei-Wei Zhang, Yang Li
Alzheimer's Disease: PARs to the Rescue
| Division: | Biotechnology / None | | Category: | Senior | | Region: | Calgary Youth | | City: | Calgary, AB | | School: | Sir Winston Churchill High School | | Abstract: | The project explores the mechanisms of neurodegeneration in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) by determining the effect of AD-related β-amyloid protein (Aβ) on proteinase-activated receptors (PARs) expression and function in astrocytes. The results further current understanding of the involvement of cell surface receptors in AD and implicate PARs as potential therapeutic target for AD treatment. |
| Awards | Value | Merck Frosst Award
Sponsor: Merck Frosst Canada | $1 000.00 | Dalhousie University Faculty of Science Entrance Scholarship
Senior Silver Medallist - $2000 Entrance Scholarship
Sponsor: Dalhousie University, Faculty of Science | $2 000.00 | UBC Science (Vancouver) Entrance Award
Senior Silver Medallist - $2000 Entrance Scholarship
Sponsor: The University of British Columbia (Vancouver) | $2 000.00 | The University of Western Ontario Scholarship
Silver Medallist - $1500 Entrance Scholarship
Sponsor: University of Western Ontario | $1 500.00 | University of Ottawa Entrance Scholarship
Senior Silver Medallist - $3000 Entrance Scholarship
Sponsor: University of Ottawa | $3 000.00 | Silver Medal - Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Sciences
Senior
Sponsor: Rx&D Health Research Foundation | $700.00 | | Total | $10 200.00 | |
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