Lucia Lammers and Stella Perini conducted research as part of Harrison High School’s Science Research Program. They share their experiences as student researchers, how their topic was selected, and plans for the future.
Lucia Lammers
Research Title: Colorimetric and Spectroscopic Analysis of Textiles Dyed with Local Invasive Plant Species and Waste-derived Mordants
How many years have you been part of the science research program?
I have been in the science research program for 2 years.
Why did you choose your research topic?
At 7 years old, I asked for a sewing machine for Christmas and ever since then I have spent my free time teaching myself how to sew articles of clothing, items, and gifts. Over the years my eco-consciousness grew as I enjoyed spending time hiking and surfing in natural settings. My interests converged when I realized the amount of waste my sewing hobby produced. I became obsessed with the environmental impacts of the fashion industry. I joined my school's science research program to study the environmental impacts of textile dyeing within the fashion industry, turning my hobby into research.
Did you work with an outside mentor?
I worked with Dr. Silverman, a professor at the Fashion Institute of Technology. Ms. Blunt provided me with Dr. Silverman’s contact information due to his expertise in creating soft materials such as gels, inks, dyes, and pigments. My mentor provided me with journal articles about sustainable and eco-friendly dye processes. Dr. Silverman invited me to the chemistry lab at the Fashion Institute of Technology to use the Infrared Spectrometer. He also taught me how to use the Munsell Color Matching System to analyze my data. Additionally, Dr. Silverman gave me constructive criticism on my presentations and papers.
What is the most rewarding part of the research experience?
The most rewarding part of the research experience is seeing others interested in my research. I am always eager to share my research with others and inform them about the environmental impacts of the fashion industry.
What is your most compelling discovery so far?
My most compelling discovery so far is that invasive plant species paired with waste-derived mordants are effective in coloring textiles along with being more cost effective than synthetic dyes.
What do you plan to study in college?
I plan to study both environmental science and chemistry in college, the two fields that my research is in.
Stella Perini
Research Title: Protective Effects of Resveratrol Following Repetitive Head Injury in Wild Type and Amyloid β42 Drosophila melanogaster
How many years have you been part of the science research program?
I have been in the science research program for 2 years.
Why did you choose your research topic?
My relative, a college quarterback at the University of Washington, who died at just 21 years old, committed suicide as a result of mental health issues caused by CTE (found posthumously). Additionally, my grandfather, a former Division 1 football player in the 1950s, is possibly displaying symptoms of this condition. My dad has been researching CTE for a long time, trying to understand if it is the true reason his father, my grandfather, is exhibiting so many mental and physical health issues. As a result, my research became a bonding experience for my Dad and me as we are both equally intrigued by this obscure and undiagnosable disease. I am also the captain of 3 varsity sports teams in high school. I feel empathy for NFL and other contact sports athletes, who have to stop playing their sport in the fear of getting severe concussions that could lead to terminal brain damage.
Did you work with a mentor?
My science research teacher, Ms. Blunt supervised me throughout the duration of my research. She has extensive experience working with Drosophila melanogaster, or fruit flies, and was the perfect person to mentor me through maintaining the health of the flies. My mentor Dr. Christopher Tyler is a scientist who also works at my school. I met him because I had specific questions to help clarify how resveratrol reduces the damage of neurons in the brain and what pathways resveratrol interacts with. We also discussed the strengths and limitations of Drosophila as a model. They both greatly supported me throughout my research journey.
Are you excited for competitions to present your work? What are you most proud of?
I am very excited to present my work at upcoming science fairs such as JSHS. I am looking forward to sharing my findings and hard work with experts in addition to answering their thought provoking questions. I am most proud of and excited to share the methodology section of my project. There were many unique aspects to this experiment that were exciting to research and took a lot of intricate planning. Additionally, I am proud that I was able to simultaneously find results that answer two different questions as a high school student with limited resources and free time.
What is the most rewarding part of the research experience?
One of the most rewarding parts of the research experience was finding positive results that support my hypothesis and agree with other scientific resources. Additionally, being able to make discoveries about a disease that affects so many individuals out there, including a relative of mine, considering it is under-researched and has many unknown factors.
What is your most compelling discovery so far?
Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in common human foods such as grapes, wine and chocolate, showed improving effects on locomotor function of D.melanogaster after the infliction of repetitive head injury. Possibly implying that resveratrol could provide neuroprotective effects for contact sport athletes as a preventative measure to limit the effects of concussions and later developing CTE.
What do you plan to study in college?
My research has ignited my determination to explore technological solutions, such as medical imaging and artificial intelligence, to address the challenges of diagnosing and preventing such neurodegenerative diseases on a global scale. And, it is the reason I aspire to major in biomedical engineering in college.
