Junior conducts research on sickle cell disease

For two weeks in July, Medha worked on a research program involving computational neuroscience at the Vascular Medicine Institute at the University of Pittsburgh.

“I focused on immunofluorescent staining of brain tissues from mice affected by sickle cell disease,” Medha said. “This technique aims to identify any proteins within the tissues, furthering our understanding of how sickle cell disease impacts mice brains and its potential correlation to human neurological and behavioral conditions. Staining will also help us use imaging software to analyze the imagery of the brain tissue scans under the microscope.”

Medha credits the program with furthering her interest in science and technology.

“The program helped me gain more understanding in a field of medicine that is still being researched and is largely unknown compared to other diseases in medicine,” she said. “It also showed me the importance of science, research and lab work and the realization of how software engineering and biomedical engineering are related.”

The experience provided Medha with the opportunity to work with lab materials and equipment within the fields of science and technology.

“I saw this intersection when I used software tools like imaging software and Excel in conjunction with microbiological lab equipment such as pipettes and a microscope,” she said. “This combination allowed me to contribute to research and focus on data analysis aimed at uncovering correlations between brain activity and sickle cell disease.”

These types of experiential programs can influence the future educational and career paths for high school students.

“They can spark interest in specific areas, particularly those where more individuals are needed to advance the greater good,” Medha said. “By providing hands-on experience and exposure, these programs help guide career paths and promote students to pursue fields with an impact.”

For Medha, she may have found the perfect intersection of her passion and aptitude.

“The program made me consider majoring in computational biology, as it aligns perfectly with my passion for both software and science,” Medha said. “The hands-on research experience was incredibly inspiring and motivating and there’s something deeply rewarding about contributing to a field that is still actively being explored, knowing that your work might help advance important research.”

To share the results of the research study, Medha plans to write a research paper regarding sickle cell disease vs human neurological effects.

At Upper St. Clair High School Medha is actively involved in several clubs and activities. She is the founder and leader of the Technology Student Association, a two-time state qualifier on the Speech and Debate Team, the outreach coordinator and programmer for the FTC Competitive Robotics Team BotsBurgh 11792, and a member of the Pantheon Choir.