Rainbow student showcases project at Prime Minister’s Science Fair in Ottawa

Kerry Yang, a Grade 9 student from Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School, featured her award-winning science fair project on Parliament Hill at the 2nd Annual Prime Minister’s Science Fair on September 19, 2018. The event brought together 40 of Canada’s brightest young talent to connect, learn and discuss their projects with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Minister of Science and Sport, the Honourable Kirsty Duncan.

Kerry’s project “Fighting Heavy Metals and Bacteria: Dandelion is the Key” examined the severity of antibiotic resistance in human health and determined that one of the causing mechanisms is heavy metal exposure. Kerry studied the beneficial role of dandelion extracts on heavy metal-induced antibiotic resistance. Kerry determined that bacterial antibiotic resistance could be induced by heavy metals and dandelion root could be used to help reverse bacterial resistance to antibiotics.

During the fair, Kerry had the opportunity to discuss her findings with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Nobel Prize winner Dr. Arthur McDonald, Member of Parliament for Sudbury Paul Lefebvre, and Member of Parliament for Nickel Belt Marc Serré.

“On behalf of Rainbow District School Board, I would like to congratulate Kerry on her exceptional achievement,” said Board Chair Doreen Dewar. “To be honoured among our nation’s best and brightest young Canadians is a tremendous accomplishment for which she should be incredibly proud.”

The Honourable Kirsty Duncan congratulated all students who participated in the fair. “The incredible work showcased is an inspiration to people of all ages across Canada and demonstrates what can be accomplished with hard work, determination and encouragement. Their inventions, curiosity and creativity have the potential to build a better world for all.”

Kerry took home numerous accolades at the Sudbury Regional Science Fair, including First Place, Junior Division, Life Sciences, the Founding Members’ Award; the Laurentian University Biology Award and the Laurentian University Chemistry/Biochemistry Award.

Kerry went on to garner Gold at the Canada Wide Science Fair, and was also awarded a $4,000 scholarship to the University of Western Ontario.

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Media Contact:

Nicole Charette, Senior Advisor,
Corporate Communications and Strategic Planning,
Rainbow District School Board, 705-674-3171 ext. 7217.