Blue Island student researches cancer cure
August 16, 2012 2:08PM
Updated: September 20, 2012 6:03AM
Lazy days at the beach, weeklong vacations with family, and three months of relaxation are how most teenagers spend their summer.
But not Eisenhower High School junior Kathy Rodogiannis, 17, who is spent her summer conducting cancer research in a lab at University of Chicago.
Rodogiannis is one of 35 students participating in the American Cancer Society’s Summer High School Research Program, which gives Illinois high school students the chance to spend eight weeks working with cancer researchers in the state’s leading medical facilities.
The program aims to introduce students to scientific research, specifically cancer research; to promote career opportunities; and provide a research opportunity for those students who would not otherwise have access to working in a lab.
“Many high school students are unaware of what scientific research entails,” said Elizabeth Jablonski, director of research at the American Cancer Society’s Illinois Division.
“This program is a great way for students to learn about what happens in a lab and what aspect of science they might want to pursue.”
Rodogiannis said she was excited for the opportunity to spend her summer learning about cancer research, something not offered inside a high school classroom.
“In my lifetime I would like to make a difference and cancer research will be where it happens,” Rodogiannis said.
As part of the program, students are assigned individual projects to research four days a week. On the fifth day, the students gather to report on the progress of their research.
At the end of the eight weeks, each student wrote a 10-page scientific paper and presented a report of their findings at a recognition dinner.
Provided to the SouthtownStar
