Shaker Heights Teen Conducts Groundbreaking Medical Research

Peter Delaney is only in high school but he's already participating in high-level medical research.

Delaney is from Shaker Heights, and is a rising senior atUniversity School. He participates in the Anderson Scholar Program at the school, which "enables students to pursue a passion with structure, rigor, and depth throughout their high school career."

Delany has been researching immune responses that play a role in developing inflammatory bowel diseases, including Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis. He's been working with some of Cleveland’s top medical professionals, working under the direction of Dr. Theresa Pizarro, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Pathology atCase Western Reserve University.

Specifically, Delaney' research identified a particular protein molecule that produces cells that may cause IBD. He recently presented his research at the American Gastroenterological Association’s International Digestive Disease Week in Orlando, Flo.

Delaney said it is exciting that his research could one day help to diagnose and treat patients who suffer from these illnesses. 

Delaney said his interest in medicine began in sixth grade when he made a model of the human digestive system. 

"I remember talking about the different organs and the diseases associated with each one," he said. "It was fascinating. So when I was applying for an Anderson Scholarship, I thought, ‘Why not do something I’m genuinely interested in?' "

"Working on this project as an Anderson Scholar has given me a realistic idea of what a life in medical science would be like," he added.  "I’ve always been interested in pursuing a career as a surgeon or in some field of medicine.  This experience really validated it for me."

Last year, he received a $2,500 grant from the American Gastroenterological Association to continue his research with Dr. Pizarro. 

"Only ten high school students nationwide get this particular grant, so I was very lucky to receive one," Delaney said.