| Biography |
|---|
| I am in Grade 11, and have been homeschooled from grade one. I have always been interested in science, often doing dissections in my basement with my dad's surgery tools. Two years ago, I decided that I wanted to learn about molecular biology. I used Google to teach myself the basics, then approached a biochemistry lab at the University of Alberta with a project: to make a carbon monoxide biosensor in E.coli. This project got me hooked to molecular biology, and specifically synthetic biology. The following year, I worked with iGEM, an international undergraduate synthetic biology competition, where we used origin of replication controllers to work towards binary control of gene expression. I presented on behalf of our team at Stanford University, and we were able to secure a Gold Medal. While with iGEM, I discovered the bacterial artificial chromosome. In grade 11, I became interested in applying synthetic biology to medical research, and approached a researcher with an idea that I had developed: to build a reoviral reverse genetics system with a fast isothermal assembly method and clone all 10 reovirus genes into the bacterial artificial chromosome. In addition to research, I enjoy parkour, calisthenics, and writing poetry. |
| Abdullah Farooq
A BAC platform for engineering oncolytic reovirus
| Challenge: | Health | | Category: | Senior | | Region: | Edmonton | | City: | Sherwood Park , AB | | School: | Argyll Home School Centre | | Abstract: | Mammalian orthoreovirus is a double stranded RNA virus which targets Ras-activated cells, accounting for more than 50% of cancers. To improve reoviral oncolytic efficacy rationally, a reverse genetics system (RGS) is necessary. The current RG systems for the reovirus are not amenable for performing targeted mutations. I attempt to engineer an RG platform consisting of all ten reovirus genes in one bacterial artificial chromosome. |
| Awards | Value | Excellence Award - Senior
Silver Medal
Sponsor: Youth Science Canada | $300.00 | 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 | University of Ottawa Entrance Scholarship
Senior Silver Medallist - $2000 Entrance Scholarship
Sponsor: University of Ottawa | $2 000.00 | Western University Scholarship
Silver Medallist - $2000 Entrance Scholarship
Sponsor: Western University | $2 000.00 | | Total | $8 800.00 | |
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