Local High School Student Develops Revolutionary Medical Device, Wins $75,000
In a groundbreaking achievement, Grace Sun, a junior at a local high school, has presented a stunningly innovative medical invention that landed her the prestigious George D. Yancopoulos Award and a $75,000 prize.
Journey to Innovative Realization
Grace, a student at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, astounded the judges at the International Science and Engineering Fair with her creation, which could redefine the landscape of medical diagnostics and treatments.
“I essentially developed a new chemical strategy to improve the performance of these bioelectronic devices which can be implanted in the human body, or worn as clothing, for easier and more accurate disease diagnostics. They can also be used for treating certain disorders like organ failure by stimulating artificial brain impulses or heartbeats,” Grace explained.
Grace exemplifies the perfect blend of academic prowess and innovative thinking. Balancing her commitment as a full-time high school student, she gleefully dived deep into seven months of intensive research before presenting her biochemical brilliance to the world.
The Invention: A Huge Step in Biomedicine
Grace’s invention involves the utilization of n-Type organic electrochemical transistors – devices that can revolutionize medical treatments and disease diagnostics through chemical doping. A component of the future of biomedicine, these devices are made of organic materials, reducing the potential for tissue damage and toxicity to the body.
Grace’s cost-effective approach in developing these transistors opens myriad opportunities for mass commercialization, making advanced disease diagnostics and treatment models accessible to a broader population. “They’re compatible with the human body because they’re made of organic materials – like how our bodies are also made of organic materials,” she added.
Continuous Support
This incredible accomplishment could not have been possible without the continuous support of her parents, friends, and mentors. Grace’s school, the Math Science Technology Center Program, also played a crucial role in facilitating her research work, creating a conducive environment for student research endeavors. “They actually promote us to do research by allowing us to have one block every other day to be able to leave the school to go do research,” she explained.
Life Beyond the Award: The Next Steps
Ambitious about her future, Grace envisions pushing this invention into the mainstream industry in order to benefit real people in real-time. At the forefront of her to-do list also lay the fasinating endeavor of starting a business and securing a seat at a good college.
Winning the George D. Yancopoulos Award is not the end for Grace – rather it has invigorated her quest to challenge the scientific norms and realize groundbreaking contributions. “It’s never too early to start research, it’s never too early to figure out a problem in the world that you want to see solved, and to actively push into that direction,” states Grace. Her story undoubtedly serves as an inspiration to many budding researchers across the globe.
