On Jan. 6, Wheatley senior Krista Chen was recognized as a semifinalist in the INTEL Science Talent Search. This rigorous competition, a program of the Society for Science & the Public, recognizes the most promising young scientists and rewards them for their innovative science research. Of the more than 1,800 applicants, Chen was among 300 semifinalists nationwide and among the 44 Long Island semifinalists.
Chen’s study utilized a biotin-linked taxoid or tumor-targeting drug designed to specifically attack cancer stem cells through the detection of certain biomarkers, effectively decreasing systemic toxicity usually associated with conventional chemotherapy. In addition, she provided an approach using combination chemotherapy with natural remedies EGCG and curcumin that could potentiate the drug while minimizing required dosages and adverse effects.
