A Pineapple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away – It’s Not So Difficile

A.B. Lucas S.S.

C.difficile infection (CDI) causes serious illness, prolonged hospital stays, and high hospital costs. In 2012, the USA had 500,000 cases of CDI, resulting in 29,000 deaths. C.difficile is easily transmittable and hard to disinfect, as alcohol-based hand rub does not kill it. By discovering a natural enzyme that can break down a C.difficile spore, I have developed a novel method for C.difficile disinfection.

Awards
Excellence Award – Senior Bronze Medal
Western University – $1000 Entrance Scholarship
University of Ottawa – $1000 Entrance Scholarship

Biography

My name is Áine Pucchio. I am in grade 11 at A. B. Lucas Secondary School, in London, Ontario. I take many science courses at school and am looking towards post-secondary education and a career in science. I am very passionate about music, and play the saxophone, piano and I sing. I also love drama, and often participate in, and watch both plays and musicals. I am enthusiastic about saving our environment and other social justice issues that affect our world. I would like to thank my sister for influencing me to do science fairs and my family for encouraging me to learn and grow.