Rachel Elizabeth Cawkwell
New York
Rachel Elizabeth Cawkwell, 17, of Bedford, entered the Intel Science Talent
Search with a medicine & health project that examines the communication between
malignant tumor cells and macrophages (immune cells) via microvesicles - tiny
fragments of cell plasma membranes once thought of as debris, but now believed
to be important intercellular communicators. Over the course of three
consecutive summers, through methodology including ultracentrifugation, electron
microscopy and in vitro assays, she demonstrated that macrophages harboring
tumor-derived microvesicles have the genetic makeup to support the spread of
cancer cells (metastasis). Her work has clinical relevance in predicting the
prognosis for cancer patients and in developing potential new treatments in
preventing metastasis. At Byram Hills High School in Armonk, Rachel captains the
cross country team, writes for the yearbook and helps run an annual volleyball
tournament for charity. An accomplished pianist, who also enjoys drawing and
painting, she is the daughter of Roger and Gail Cawkwell. Rachel hopes to attend
Washington University in St. Louis or Emory.
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