| 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 | |
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