Whiz kid explores cancer research
Wed, April 02 2008
|
Taneille Johnson and
professor Dr. Chow Lee |
Johnson, a grade 10 student at Bert Bowes Junior Secondary, is examining the relationship between human telomerase gene and the growth of cancer cells.
Research has shown that telomerase is associated with the longevity of human cells and some researchers believe that it also extends the life of cancer cells.
Johnson is testing some of these theories for herself. She is working with Dr. Chow Lee, a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology professor at UNBC, who is also a researcher with the National Cancer Institute of Canada.
Last year, Dr. Lee and his team published some new discoveries related to an enzyme that they believe controls both the growth and aggressiveness of cancer cell. Johnson has been working in the same lab where these discoveries were made, located in UNBC’s Northern Health Sciences Centre. She received funding from the North Peace School District to participate in the mentorship program, which is coordinated by the B.C. Innovation Council.
For Johnson, working in a state-of-the-art lab with researchers at the leading edge of cancer research represents a once in a lifetime opportunity. It likely won’t be the last time. On the heels of winning bronze at a national science fair competition, Johnson’s two-and-a-half-week stint with Dr. Lee at UNBC may be a sign of things to come.
“She’s brilliant. I have to keep reminding myself that Taneille is only 15-years-old,” says Dr. Lee. “She knows the background information very well and clearly has a passion for science. It would be great to see her at UNBC after she has finished high school. Who knows, down the road, she may contribute to a cure for cancer.”
Contact Dr. Chow Lee, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology professor at 250.960.5413 for more info.
Your reactions
More education news
