Name: Catherine Wallace,  17

School: Decatur High School

Accomplishments: This young science student spends several hours each week at the Georgia Institute of Technology conducting cancer research through nanotechnology as part of her senior project.  

Catherine’s quest involves the observation of tumor cells
and their reaction with gold nano particles which scientists have recently discovered can shrink tumors and play a role in very early detection of cancer.

“I am interested in nanotechnology and its uses in oncology,” Catherine said. “My science teacher knew of a professor at Georgia Tech who was working in these areas. I went to them with my idea, but it wouldn’t quite work the way I proposed it, so we collaborated on how we could get my senior project done and the research done at Tech.”

For the school year, Catherine will spend about ten hours a week working at Georgia Tech with Dr. Mostafa El-Sayed, Director of Laser Dynamics Laboratory at Georgia Tech.

Her enthusiasm for learning is evident in all aspects of her life said her Debra Le Doux, Science Instructional Team Leader at Decatur High School.

“It was my husband who first noticed “the flute player,” Le Doux said.  “We were watching a middle school band concert, and Catherine’s spirit and musicianship leaped off the stage, complementing and enhancing the performance of the entire ensemble.”

A few years later, when Catherine arrived in her gifted ninth-grade physics class, Le Doux said she showed that same talent, sparkle and energy for academics, arts, athletics and leadership.

She will pursue a degree in biochemical engineering and plans to continue research in nanotechnology.

 “I’m thrilled that she currently plans to pursue a career in the biomedical sciences, where the need for her intellectual passion and infectious enthusiasm is enormous,” Le Doux said.

In the mean time, many Friday nights this fall you can catch a glimpse of Catherine stepping high and leading the way for the marching
band as drum major for Decatur High.