Summer research intern wins first place in science fair

Julia Sorisho, one of the University’s Howard Hughes Summer High School Research interns, won first place in the symposium category of a citywide science fair that took place March 18 to 21.

Sorisho, now a senior at Von Steuben High School in Kenwood, spent eight weeks last summer in the lab of Dr. Walter Stadler, Assistant Professor of Hematology/Oncology in Medicine. “Julia was an exceptional student who clearly demonstrated a deep understanding for the work that goes on in our laboratory,” said Stadler.

Sorisho presented her research paper on the effects of oxidative stress on a protein that regulates the cell cycle or cell division regulation.

The summer program brings in five high school students from Chicago public schools to work on research projects in University laboratories for eight weeks. Students receive stipends and have lunch with other interns, their mentors from the research labs and teachers from the Summer High School Teachers Seminar. At the lunch meetings, the interns report on the progress of their research and gain experience in presenting the context and results of their studies.

Sorisho will go on to participate in the National Science and Engineering Fair to be held this May in Philadelphia.