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CWSF 2011 - Toronto, Ontario

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Biography
My name is Rebecca Todesco and I am a grade eleven student. I have been participating in my local Science Fair since the sixth grade. My previous projects have been in the fields of engineering, chemistry, health sciences and computer sciences. As a member of my schools Debate Team, my partner and I placed second in Provincials and attended the National Conference in Halifax two years ago. I enjoy playing the flute in my High School Concert Band. I am looking forward to an exciting week at the Canada Wide Science Fair.

Rebecca Todesco


Airborne Attack
Challenge:Health
Category:Senior
Region:Calgary Youth
City:Calgary, AB
School:Queen Elizabeth Junior Senior High School
Abstract:Alternaria alternata causes asthma but its allergenic mechanism is unknown. I hypothesized that A. alternata contains serine proteinases that activate proteinase-activated receptors (PARs). I used enzyme-activity assays, zymography and activity-based probes to identify a trypsin-like enzyme. I found that A. alternata can activate PAR2 to stimulate calcium signalling. This concludes that A. alternata contains a trypsin-like serine proteinase that via PAR2 activation accentuates allergenic activity.

Awards Value
Excellence Award - Senior
Silver Medal
Sponsor: Youth Science Canada
$700.00
Dalhousie University Faculty of Science Entrance Scholarship
Senior Silver Medallist - $2500 Entrance Scholarship
Sponsor: Dalhousie University, Faculty of Science
$2 500.00
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 - $2000 Entrance Scholarship
Sponsor: University of Western Ontario
$2 000.00
University of Ottawa Entrance Scholarship
Senior Silver Medallist - $2000 Entrance Scholarship
Sponsor: University of Ottawa
$2 000.00
Total$9 200.00