Teen Scientist’s Cancer Research Earns $40,000 Prize

“These kids will surely make an impact on our world as we know it.” -Siemens Foundation’s, Jennifer Harper Taylor

Marissa Suchyta, of South Barrington, is a seventeen-year-old senior at the University of Chicago lab school, who just received a third-place win in the nation’s premier high school science contest, the Siemens Competition. Marissa began the competition up against 1,500 of the nation’s top teen scientists and walked away with a $40,000 prize.

Marissa was honored for her research into how a protein called geminin, blocks DNA from replicating, which has implications in developing new treatments for diseases like cancer. Marissa also founded the first Midwest chapter of the American Cancer Society’s “High Schools Against Cancer” campaign, then began her own nonprofit that donates gift baskets to teen cancer patients at Chicago area hospitals.

Not only has Marissa made an impact in the science field, but she is also president of the Gavel Club, captain of the Forensics Team, captain of the Mock Trial Team and a member of the Model United Nations team. This year, she placed second at nationals in the National History Day Competition.  Marissa is also a competitive ballroom dancer, plays the violin and mandolin, and speaks fluent French. She hopes to attend Harvard, double major in neurobiology and molecular/cellular biology, and then become a neurosurgeon with a Ph.D. in molecular oncology.

Source: http://www.suntimes.com