Ft. St. John Teen Teams Up With Cancer Researchers

By Submitted Article

A 15 year old from Fort St, John  has taken her bronze winning national  science project to the next level,  She is  working with  the special cancer research team at UNBC.

 Funding from the North Peace School District  made it possible for Taneille Johnson to participate in the mentorship program, which is coordinated by the BC Innovation Council.

( at right, Teneille Johnson and Dr.  Lee photo  courtesy UNBC)

The grade 10 student at Bert Bowes Junior Secondary, is examining the relationship between human telomerase gene and the growth of cancer cells. Research has shown that telomerase is associated with the longevity of human cells and some researchers believe that it also extends the life of cancer cells.

Taneille is testing some of these theories for herself.

She is working with Dr. Chow Lee, a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology professor at UNBC, who is also a researcher with the National Cancer Institute of Canada. Last year, Dr. Lee and his team published some new discoveries related to an enzyme that they believe controls both the growth and aggressiveness of cancer cell.

Dr. Lee is  very impressed with Taneille's knowledge and work  "She's brilliant. I have to keep reminding myself that Taneille is only 15 years old.  She knows the background information very well and clearly has a passion for science. It would be great to see her at UNBC after she has finished high school. Who knows, down the road, she may contribute to a cure for cancer."
    

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