Northport HS Freshman Selected For NYIT Mini-Research Grant Award

NORTHPORT, NY — Northport High School freshman Emily Wickard is proving to be a dedicated scientist, even at a young age, according to the school district. Emily was selected for the Fourth Annual NYIT Mini-Research Grant Award following her work with science research coordinators Ms. Kim Collins and Mr. Bryan Horan.

Emily’s research proposal, titled, "The effect of green tea catechins on tumor progression in Solanum lycopersicum (tomato plants) infected with Agrobacterium tumfaciens," was submitted to NYIT’s Grant Review Committee and found to have scientific merit and potential impact in STEM fields.

The research project will look at a natural alternative to suppress tumor growth caused by A. tumefaciens, a soil-borne bacterium responsible for crown gall disease in plants. Based on prior research studies, Emily will investigate the use of green tea extracts that contain antioxidants catechins that could allow for reduced risk of mutations in proto-oncogenes. Her hypothesis is that tomato plants treated with green tea catechins will activate tumor suppressor genes and decrease the size, number and/or severity of crown galls, or tumors, formed.

Emily will conduct her research project using both the high school’s laboratory equipment and state-of-the-art greenhouse. The research grant is valued at $300 and will be used to purchase supplies, software, and small equipment to further her research.

"Emily is a wonderful and promising young scientist who is already showing a strong desire to make a real difference in the STEM field," said David Storch, district chairperson of science, technology & engineering. "Her research has the ability to be used as an alternative, natural treatment option for organic or GMO-free farms to pre-treat plants and reduce the economic impact of crown gall disease."