| Biography |
|---|
| Charley is a concurrent student and volunteer researcher at Simon Fraser University while completing his studies as a grade 12 student in Burnaby. Although Charley has had a keen interest in many fields of science, his passion for Molecular Biology and academic research stemmed from his prior experience at the University of California, Santa Barbara where he explored the genetic basis for ribosome biogenesis in nematode C. elegans as well as his ongoing project investigating immunology in Rhodnius prolixus. Outside the laboratory, he enjoys helping other people as an academic and piano tutor, in addition to helping the impoverished in Vancouver through founding his branch of the Hygiene for the Homeless charity organization in Burnaby. Furthermore, he enjoys music and sports, playing percussion, piano, badminton and glides recreationally in his free time. As he progresses into post-secondary education, Charley hopes to continue his research endeavours and wishes to pursue a MD/Ph.D. as a physician-scientist. |
| Charley Cai
Chagas Disease: Decoding Vector-Based Pathogen Recognition
| Challenge: | Discovery | | Category: | Senior | | Region: | Greater Vancouver | | City: | Burnaby, BC | | School: | Burnaby North Secondary | | Abstract: | Chagas disease is a human tropical disease commonly spread by kissing bugs. While this insect can defend itself from some pathogens, the Chagas parasite seems to elude its immune system. This project investigated new components within kissing bug's immune system and determined their role in pathogen recognition. This knowledge may help future scientists exploit the insect's immune mechanisms to reduce the transmission of the disease. |
| Awards | Value | Canadian Young Researcher Award
Senior
Sponsor: Canadian Science Publishing and STEM Fellowship | $1 000.00 | Excellence Award - Senior
Silver Medal
Sponsor: Youth Science Canada | | 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 New Brunswick Canada-Wide Science Fair Scholarship
Silver Medallist - $2500 Entrance Scholarship
Sponsor: University of New Brunswick | $2 500.00 | 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 | $12 000.00 | |
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