Over 39 intense days this summer, Blen Kedir of Garland, a student at Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science, used wet lab techniques and modeling software to study an enzyme from a fungal pathogen and to design a small molecule inhibitor to protect crops from that fungus.
Kedir participated in the Summer Science Program at Purdue University as one of 36 gifted science students who came from around the world for academic challenge, collaboration and personal growth.
Since 1959, this unique and highly selective program has offered teenagers their first taste of hands-on, collaborative experimental research. Years and even decades later, many alumni describe it as “the educational experience of a lifetime.” Most go on to earn advanced degrees and leadership roles in their chosen careers.
Kedir said that she enjoyed both the academic and social aspects of the program.
“With my teammates, I performed biochemical tests to characterize the enzymes and used computational programs to modify inhibitor structures for optimal binding,” the TAMS senior said. “I also had the opportunity to create amazing friendships, an experience that I would call once in a l
ifetime.”
Kedir added that in addition to working on the project she enjoyed meeting prominent guest speakers and taking tours of local scientific sites.
As a Garland resident whose home is located in the Richardson Independent School District, Kedir attended Richardson schools from first grade until she began attending the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science as a junior. She immigrated to the United States as a first-grader.
About Summer Science Program: SSP is an independent nonprofit operated in cooperation with host campuses New Mexico Tech, University of Colorado at Boulder and Purdue University, as well as affiliates Caltech, MIT, Harvey Mudd College. For more information visit www.summerscience.org.