Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

Hello,

I am interested in doing a science project related to oncology and gene editing. Specifically, I want to study the anti-cancer mechanisms that have already evolved in other animals (think Peto’s paradox). I have a few ideas on how I could manage this:

One idea is to insert genes that are correlated with cancer resistance into a human cell line. Examples of this may include isotopes of p53 (a trait found in elephants), high molecular mass hyaluronan (naked mole rats), miR-221-5p (bats), or other compounds. While it is unlikely that any of these compounds could be directly inserted into a human in vivo, this experiment would give us insight into how effective similar molecules would be at stopping cancer in humans. This would be useful when creating new anti-cancer treatments, therapies, or prevention techniques.

Another possibility may be to investigate which systems prevent cancer in an animal via the use of gene knockout methods. For example, we know that elephants rarely get cancer, largely because they have 19 additional isotypes of the protein p53. However, there are many other cancer-resistant animals, (such as whales, horses, cows, and hippopotamuses,) that we have not studied as well. Perhaps, by knocking out carefully selected sequences from a cell culture, we could test which of these animals’ genes prevent cancer. Once again, this information would come in handy when trying to stop the disease in humans.

Science fair is a big deal at my school, so I have almost 5 months to go through the whole process. It is clear that these experiments couldn't be done at home: I would need access to a lab with the right tools and supervision from a qualified scientist. Nevertheless, would someone my age be able to do such a project, especially when considering the cost of the experiment? Do you have any ideas where I could find someone who would be willing to work with me? I’m still in the brainstorming stage of my project, so I am open to suggestions and/or concerns.

Thank you!

Hey! These ideas sound really cool!

My name is Chloe, and I'm also in high school (rising senior). I would suggest simply cold-emailing a professor, perhaps at a university near you. Do a bit of internet searching and find a lab that has similar ongoing projects to the research you described. I would recommend reading a few articles from that lab and referencing them in the email.

This strategy has worked for me and a lot of my friends. I'm interested in bioprinting, so I read a bunch of articles my sophomore year and then reached out to a few professors. After these emails, we met over Zoom, and I have been interning at a lab for the past two summers. This summer I performed my own project to compete in fairs, as you are describing.

So to summarize, it is definitely possible to do research in high school! It may take a few tries, but I'm sure you will find a lab that is willing to help you out. I would suggest being very specific in the email - reference articles, ask questions, and highlight your knowledge of the field! It sounds like you know a lot, so don't be afraid to communicate your interest!

Good luck!

Best,
Chloe

To add to the helpful reply Chloe offered, I wanted to point out the How to Find a Mentor resource. It contains some information to help as you think about the process of finding someone to work with.

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... tem-mentor

Amy
Science Buddies

Thank you for your reply: this is really helpful! The resource that Amy linked said not to directly state that you want someone to be your mentor in your first email. If that's the case, then when and how should I bring this up instead?

Hi - If you continue on with that article, steps 8 and 9 talk about having a meeting with a potential mentor (someone who responded to your initial inquiry/email). Today, that kind of meeting might even be via Zoom (or a similar tool). You'll see in step 9 that it mentions that, if the fit seems good, you might ask:

8. If you receive a positive response, set up a meeting date. Be sure to bring everything that you've found on the scientist's research and a couple of thoughtful questions about it to the meeting. Treat the meeting as you would a job interview. For more suggestions, see the FAQ section "How should I prepare for my first meeting with a potential mentor?".

If you are lucky enough to have multiple researchers offering to be your mentor, take advantage of the situation! Choose a mentor with a personality that fits yours. You want to make sure you and your mentor "click"; otherwise, you might have a miserable time. Think about what kind of person you want to work with: fierce and competitive, outgoing, shy, nurturing and supportive, etc. Keep in mind that having a mentor who knows what a science competition is like would be helpful (although this is rare and certainly not necessary).

9. Finally, if the rapport seems good and the science is interesting, you should ask "Do you need any help in your lab this summer?" I would add not to be afraid to ask about helping during the school year, too.

I hope that helps. Good luck with your search. We would love to hear how it goes.

Amy
Science Buddies