Tony Kwon

Tony Kwon

Tony Kwon
Garlic-Induced Gene Expression Changes in Streptococcus pyogenes
A.B. Lucas S.S.

This project hypothesized that a natural product like fresh garlic could decrease the virulence factor expression of S. pyogenes. To address the hypothesis, qRT-PCR was performed to see the decrease in transcriptions of tested virulence factors (speA, speC, slo, scp) in the presence of various garlic concentrations. In conclusion, the result supported the hypothesis, suggesting that garlic could potentially be used to prevent streptococcal infections.

Award Value
Gold Medal – Health Sciences
Senior
Sponsor: Canadian Institutes of Health Research
$1500
Western University Scholarship
Gold Medallist – $2000 Entrance Scholarship
Sponsor: Western University
$2000
Dalhousie University Faculty of Science Entrance Scholarship
Senior Gold Medallist – $4000 Entrance Scholarship
Sponsor: Dalhousie University, Faculty of Science
$4000
UBC Science (Vancouver) Entrance Award
Senior Gold Medallist – $4000 Entrance Scholarship
Sponsor: The University of British Columbia (Vancouver)
$4000
University of Ottawa Entrance Scholarship
Senior Gold Medallist – $20,000 Entrance Scholarship ($5,000 each year for 4 years)
Sponsor: University of Ottawa
$20 000

Biography

I am a grade 12 student in London, Ontario, Canada who attends A.B. Lucas Secondary School. I am currently a string bassist in Lucas Concert Band and a representative of the school music council. To further pursue my interest in music, I have played in a monthly concert at the residential home ever since I was in grade seven. Also, I am in the school badminton team as a men-singles player. My hobbies and interests include scientific experiments, music, and sports. My interest in science (especially Biology) has been channeled through science fair. It has been a wonderful learning opportunity, providing me with academic knowledge, laboratory experience, and presentation skills. In order to promote the benefits of participating in a science fair, I have joined SMARTS, founded a science club at my school, and gave presentations at the local public schools. Thanks to the wonderful experience I had through the local university lab, I hope to become a microbiologist when I grow up.