High School Pioneers: Exploring AI in Systems Biology

High School Pioneers: Exploring AI in Systems Biology

In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries, two high school seniors from Connecticut are making their mark in the field of systems biology. Meera Kannan and Gabrielle Bridgewater, students at South Windsor High School and Tolland High School respectively, have achieved a remarkable feat by publishing their research in the prestigious journal, NPJ Systems Biology and Applications.

Their study, titled “Leveraging public AI tools to explore systems biology resources in mathematical modeling,” was conducted at the UConn School of Medicine under the mentorship of Dr. Michael Blinov. This achievement is not just a testament to their hard work but also highlights the growing intersection of AI and biology.

The Journey Begins

The journey for Kannan and Bridgewater began with their participation in the Health Career Opportunity Programs (HCOP) at UConn. This program, founded by Dr. Marja Hurley, aims to provide high school students with hands-on experience in the medical field. For Kannan, the program opened her eyes to the innovative world of medicine and research. "I was motivated to explore how AI could have a positive impact and make systems biology more accessible," she shares.

Bridgewater, inspired by her biochemist father, joined the HCOP program to gain practical healthcare experience. "Being a published author and conducting my own study is definitely the most exciting thing I’ve ever done," she exclaims.

The Research

Under the guidance of Dr. Blinov, the students explored the potential of AI tools in systems biology. Their research focused on how AI can be used to make systems biology more accessible to students. "We wanted to understand just how reliable AI is as a tool for studying systems biology," Bridgewater explains.

Their findings have not only been published but will also be presented at the Connecticut Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. This event gathers the state’s brightest high school students to showcase their talents in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

A Bright Future

Both Kannan and Bridgewater have their sights set on careers in medicine. Kannan hopes to continue her research and explore various fields to broaden her horizons. "The skills and perspectives I’ve learned here will definitely be invaluable," she says.

Bridgewater, on the other hand, is considering a path that combines both medicine and research. "My experience with HCOP solidified my passion for pursuing a career as a physician," she concludes.

Key Takeaways

1. Early Exposure to Research: Programs like HCOP provide invaluable early exposure to research and medical fields for high school students.
2. AI in Education: The integration of AI in educational research can make complex fields like systems biology more accessible.
3. Mentorship Matters: Having mentors like Dr. Blinov can significantly impact students' academic and career trajectories.
4. Interdisciplinary Exploration: Exploring the intersection of AI and biology can lead to innovative research opportunities.
5. Inspiring Future Generations: Stories like those of Kannan and Bridgewater inspire other students to pursue their interests in STEM fields.

As these young pioneers continue their journey, they remind us of the endless possibilities that lie at the intersection of AI and biology. Their story is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring scientists and researchers worldwide.