Grace Sun, a 16-year-old from Lexington, Kentucky, has won first prize in the USA’s largest and most prestigious science fair for her innovative work on optimizing components of biomedical implants. Her research promises a future of safer, faster, and longer-lasting medical devices, securing her a $75,000 award and recognition among 2,000 of the world’s top STEM students.
The accolade was bestowed by the Society for Science’s Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, a premier global competition. Sun’s project focused on enhancing organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), which, unlike traditional silicon devices, are soft, flexible, and hold potential for advanced implants in the brain or heart.
Bioelectronic implants, such as pacemakers, have been around for decades but often face compatibility issues with the human body. Sun’s work aims to address these challenges, improving the stability and performance of OECTs to prevent degradation within the body. “They have instability in the body. You don’t want some sort of implanted bioelectronic to degrade in your body,” Sun explained to Business Insider.
OECTs could revolutionize medical diagnostics by detecting proteins or nucleic acids in sweat, blood, or other bodily fluids, identifying diseases at their earliest stages. These sensitive devices could replace more invasive implants and offer new ways to monitor biomarkers like blood glucose, white blood cell count, or blood-alcohol content, benefiting individuals with conditions such as diabetes, epilepsy, or autoimmunity.
Ian Jandrell, co-chair of the materials science judging panel at ISEF, expressed unequivocal support for Sun’s project. “It was crystal clear that that room was convinced that this was a significant project and worthy of consideration for a very top award because of the contribution that was made,” he told Business Insider.
Sun’s aspirations extend beyond her current research. She hopes to further develop OECTs and establish a business to bring these advanced medical devices to market, impacting real-world healthcare as swiftly as possible.
This remarkable achievement not only highlights the potential of young innovators but also aligns with several UN Global Goals. Sun’s work on biomedical implants contributes to Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being by promising safer and more effective medical treatments. Moreover, her dedication to advancing STEM education and innovation supports Goal 4: Quality Education and Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure.
Grace Sun’s pioneering research and her vision for the future underscore the importance of investing in young scientists and fostering innovation that addresses critical health challenges worldwide.
Youtube credits: https://www.youtube.com/@globalsociety_earth
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