Summer 5Q: Chiraag Kapadia Spends Summer Researching at the Owensboro Cancer Research Program

Since 2010, the Gatton Academy has offered students the ability to pursue summer research experiences through the Gatton Research Internships Grants (RIG) program.  Made possible through the generous support of Mr. Carol Martin “Bill” Gatton, the program offers competitive grants to Gatton Academy students between their junior and senior years to support summertime research internships across the Commonwealth and the world.  By providing a funding mechanism, the program directly creates new avenues for growth and exploration.  Throughout the summer, we’re sharing insights from students who are the recipients of our 2012 grants.  Today we check in with Chiraag Kapadia in the fourth of this summer’s series.  

Chiraag Kapadia of Madisonville is spending his summer at the Owensboro Cancer Research Program under the mentorship of Dr. Uma Sankar.  Chiraag is investigating perturbation of mitochondrial fission/fusion dynamics in cancer stem cells.

1. What part of your summer experience are you enjoying most?

I am most enjoying working on a project this summer that will directly add to the collective knowledge of the biology field.  I also feel privileged to work alongside experts in their fields and be able to pick up so much.

 

2. How is this different from the way you think most high school students spend their summers?

Unlike most high school students, I am getting to work in a state-of-the-art cancer research facility and make lasting contributions to the field.  I am certain my summer is more productive and interesting than that of an average high schooler.

 

3. Will you be using this research experience as a launching point for any particular applications, competitions, or scholarships?

I am very excited to use the data and results from my research this summer to enter the Siemens Competition and apply for the Goldwater Scholarship.

 

4. How does the Gatton Academy help Kentucky from your point of view?

The Gatton Academy, in my opinion, congregates Kentucky’s most promising STEM-focused students in an environment that is more advantageous and of higher caliber than any other high school in the state. With this, the students at the Gatton Academy can further themselves, bring pride to the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and hopefully serve the state in the future.

 

5. What does research mean to you as a young person interested in STEM?

Research is my opportunity to dive into the world of science. I get to hands-on make contributions to the collective scientific knowledge, something a young STEM-focused student like me values greatly.