| Biography |
|---|
| I am a 17 year old, grade 12 student at CDCI West. My interests include digital art and writing, yet my passion is in biochemical and medical sciences. I would describe myself as a dedicated student, and have won multiple awards in my high school years. My mother, a cancer survivor, inspired me to develop a novel cancer treatment after learning how many types of cancer do not yet have definitive treatments. I chose to research the effect of pifithrin and phenylalanine on cancer cells after my CWSF project in 2014, where I studied the impact on aspartame (which contains phenylalanine) on cancer. I plan to study biochemistry in university, and have aspirations to go to medical school and study to become an oncologist. I plan to continue my research about pifithrin and phenylalanine in university and hope to make a significant contribution to the fight against cancer. The best advice I can give to students thinking about doing a project is to go for it! Study what inspires you, and you will find out what a rewarding experience science fairs can be. |
| Kathryn Moeck
Pifithrin and Phenylalanine as a Novel Cancer Treatment
| Challenge: | Health | | Category: | Senior | | Region: | Peterborough | | City: | Cobourg, ON | | School: | Cobourg District C.I. West | | Abstract: | This project tested the effects of pifithrin and phenylalanine on kidney cancer cells. Pifithrin targets p53 and HSP70, while phenylalanine can cause damage to sensitive cells. The combination caused high amounts of cell death and cellular membrane disintegration. This treatment holds future promise as a novel targeted cancer therapy with reduced side effects, and could be a step closer to a cure for kidney cancer. |
| Awards | Value | 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 | $2 000.00 | |
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