Released 1/20/2010

Andrea Brettler '10 is named an Intel Talent Search semifinalist

Class 12 student Andrea Brettler has been named a semifinalist in the Intel Science Talent Search, America’s oldest and most prestigious pre-college science competition. Andrea hopes to make the round of 40 finalists, which will be announced on January 27, but is already thrilled about the results. “It’s a huge honor to be a semifinalist,” she said.

Andrea’s research focused on stem cells. During internships at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston in 2008 and 2009, she learned how to manipulate and grow embryonic stem cells on a decellularized medium, such as a rat lung.

Her prize-winning study demonstrated stem cells’ medical potential. She did an experiment in which she detached the trachea from the distal lung of a rat, then repopulated both decellularized tissues with embryonic stem cells. After 30 days in a culture, the stem cells had become tracheal cells on the decellularized trachea, and distal lung cells on the decellularized distal lung.

“Ultimately, this kind of research might eliminate the need for transplants,” Andrea said, though she stressed that is a very long-term goal.

Andrea credits her mentor in Texas, Dr. Joan Nichols, and Chapin teacher Jill Hirsch with supporting her as she conducted her research and applied for the Intel award.

No matter what happens next week, Andrea is certain that her future is in science. “My dream is to be in another lab like the one in Texas,” she said.

Pictured above: Andrea flanked by her principal investigators, Dr. Joan Nichols and Dr. Joaquin Cortiella.