Ainlay student’s antibiotics test proves a winner
Paper-based detection protocol cheaper, easier than petri dishes
A 17-year-old Harry Ainlay High School student says she was “absolutely shocked” to win first prize at one of the most prestigious science competitions in the country for her antibiotic testing project.
Patricia Yan won the provincial edition of the Sanofi Biogenius Canada, or SBC, a national science research competition pairing students with an aptitude for science with academic mentors that yields research studies.
One other student from Harry Ainlay, along with two from Old Scona Academic High School, finished in runner-up positions.
“This definitely was a learning experience, and under the guidance of my mentor, this has opened my eyes up to what it could be for me in the future as a career path,” Patricia said.
Her project examined the development of paper-based detection systems for antibiotic testing on bacteria. It was a project several months in the making. She opted to use cheap, simple materials, such as tape and paper, for antibiotic testing instead of petri dishes.
“Paper-based detection systems are cheaper to create than petri dishes and (are) easier and more environmentally friendly to dispose of,” Patricia said.
These devices, which she further customized later in her research, can be used anywhere.
It can be an effective alternative for testing bacteria, “especially in isolated communities where antibiotics are likely to be given to patients without prior analysis due to the lack of accessibility in laboratories.”
Patricia received a cash prize of $2,000, with runners-up awarded cash prizes ranging from $200 to $1,500 respectively.
She will be representing Alberta at the SBC final in Ottawa on May 25 and 26, competing for a spot at the 2015 International Biogenius Challenge in Philadelphia this June.
After nationals, she aims to continue her research when she begins post-secondary studies at the University of Alberta, crediting SBC for being the major reason for getting her work started.
“It really hit me during the competition,” Patricia said. SBC “inspired me to make my own project and learn how research is in the field. It inspired me to go for an idea, and know how to pace myself and undertake research and solve problems that came up. It really provides a chance for younger people that are still exploring career possibilities to really understand what it’s like to work in the scientific field.”