| Biography |
|---|
| Nicole Zhao is a grade 11 student at Markville Secondary School. Her passions lie in environmental science and developing the world in a sustainable way. She was inspired to research environmental issues due to pollution in rivers that were once pristine during her childhood. Environmental issues always strike on a global scale; thus, she believes that it is important for today’s scientists to have a global perspective when dealing with pressing environmental issues. Impact change requires the united effort of global industry leaders and government policy makers; thus, she encourages young people to foster the skills of a global leader. She believes that working together with the environment and employing sustainable developments and innovations is the only way that we can sustain the prosperity and advancements that we make today. She is inspired by nature, which, to quote Alexander McQueen, "is the best designer"; thus, she believes in looking to nature for design inspiration as well as solutions to some of our biggest problems. She is honored to be able to pursue scientific research, and she is very thankful that science fairs gave her the opportunity to discover her passion. |
| Nicole Zhao
Identification of Carbamazepine Degraders
| Challenge: | Discovery | | Category: | Senior | | Region: | York | | City: | Markham, ON | | School: | Markville S.S. | | Abstract: | The antiepileptic drug carbamazepine (CBZ) is the most frequently detected pharmaceutical pollutant in the Great Lakes Basin. CBZ can trigger allergic reactions that may lead to severe skin and organ damage. Bioremediation uses biological organisms to biodegrade pollutants. This project aims to find naturally occurring bacteria in the Great Lakes Basin that could biodegrade CBZ. Microbacterium oxydan was identified as a putative degrader. |
| Awards | Value | Canadian Stockholm Junior Water Prize
Senior
Sponsor: Canadian WEF Member Associations, the Canadian Water and Wastewater Association, and Jacobs | $2 000.00 | Excellence Award - Senior
Bronze Medal
Sponsor: Youth Science Canada | | University of Ottawa Entrance Scholarship
Senior Bronze Medallist - $1000 Entrance Scholarship
Sponsor: University of Ottawa | $1 000.00 | Western University Scholarship
Bronze Medallist - $1000 Entrance Scholarship
Sponsor: Western University | $1 000.00 | | Total | $4 000.00 | |
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