Introduction

In an astonishing turn of events, a 13-year-old middle school student from Chicago, Camarria Williams, has unearthed a remarkable cancer-fighting compound from an unexpected source: goose poop! This discovery, made as part of her science class project, highlights the potential of unconventional materials in biomedical research.

Background

Camarria, an eighth grader at William H. Brown STEM Magnet School, participated in a unique 14-week program in collaboration with the Boys & Girls Club, focusing on antibiotic discovery from natural sources. During an outing to a local park, she collected goose droppings to analyze at the Chicago Antibiotic Discovery Lab, a STEM outreach initiative aimed at inspiring young scientists.

Discovery Process

Accompanied by her mentors, Camarria and her peers meticulously gathered samples, which were later examined under a microscope. The samples were also analyzed by an advanced robot that the team had programmed to identify and catalog potential antibiotic properties.

The Breakthrough

To their astonishment, the feces contained the Pseudomonas idahoensis bacterium, but the real breakthrough lay in a previously unknown compound named orfamide N. This compound, found to be toxic to skin and ovarian cancer cells, does not promise an immediate cure but provides invaluable insights that could pave the way for more effective cancer treatments in the future.

Personal Motivation

Reflecting on her groundbreaking discovery, Camarria shared, “My mom, auntie, and grandma have all had cancer, so it makes me happy that something I found could help. It makes me want to discover more things out there.” The research team at the University of Illinois Chicago confirmed that while orfamide N does not display antibacterial properties, it significantly slows the proliferation of various human cancer cell lines.

Recognition and Future Aspirations

Camarria's significant contribution to the research has not gone unnoticed; her name was included as a co-author in a study published in the American Chemical Society’s Omega Journal, a rare accolade for someone of her age. Excited about her work, she stated, “Now people will know me. They’ll know that I am a smart kid and I’m curious.”

STEM Education

Her journey into the world of science was fueled by hands-on experiences in STEM, which she finds both fun and enlightening. Dr. Brian Murphy, a pharmaceutical sciences researcher and program director, emphasized the importance of accessible STEM initiatives, stating, “We want to spark an interest in students, showing them the real-world applications of science.”

Adapting to Challenges

The program has even adapted to challenges presented by the pandemic, acquiring a $200,000 robot capable of isolating specific bacteria for testing. Students like Camarria were able to program this robot while in quarantine, merging technology with biological research in unprecedented ways.

Endorsements

Jin Yi Tan, a doctoral student in Dr. Murphy’s lab, echoed the significance of Camarria's work, stating, “She prioritized strains with antibiotic properties, which led to the discovery of this new compound demonstrating significant cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines.”

Conclusion

As for Camarria, her aspirations are clear: 'I want to be a scientist.' With her curiosity and groundbreaking discovery, she is already taking significant steps toward that goal, potentially lighting the way for future researchers in the field. This incredible story serves as a reminder of the unexpected places where innovation can emerge, and how young minds can contribute to vital research in the fight against cancer.