What started as a science fair project has led 15 year old TaneilleJohnson of Fort St. John to UNBC, where she has spent the past twoweeks working with the University's renowned cancer research team.

Taneille, a grade 10 student at Bert Bowes Junior Secondary, isexamining the relationship between human telomerase gene and the growthof cancer cells. Research has shown that telomerase is associated withthe longevity of human cells and some researchers believe that it alsoextends the life of cancer cells.

Taneille is testing some of these theories for herself. She is workingwith Dr. Chow Lee, a Biochemistry and Molecular Biology professor atUNBC, who is also a researcher with the National Cancer Institute ofCanada. Last year, Dr. Lee and his team published some new discoveriesrelated to an enzyme that they believe controls both the growth andaggressiveness of cancer cell. Taneille has been working in the samelab where these discoveries were made, located in UNBC's NorthernHealth Sciences Centre. She received funding from the North PeaceSchool District to participate in the mentorship program, which iscoordinated by the BC Innovation Council.

For Taneille, working in a state-of-the-art lab with researchers at theleading edge of cancer research represents a once in a lifetimeopportunity. It likely won't be the last time. On the heels of winningbronze at a national science fair competition, Taneille'stwo-and-a-half-week stint with Dr. Lee at UNBC may be a sign of thingsto come. "She's brilliant. I have to keep reminding myself thatTaneille is only 15 years old," says Dr. Lee. "She knows the backgroundinformation very well and clearly has a passion for science. It wouldbe great to see her at UNBC after she has finished high school. Whoknows, down the road, she may contribute to a cure for cancer."

Contact:
Dr. Chow Lee, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology professor, UNBC - 250.960.5413
Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC - 250.960.5622

 

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Above: Taneille and professor Dr. Chow Lee.