Youth Spotlight: Medical Researchers and Madhatters
Sahil Hemrajani and Ibrahim Mohammad
Catching cancer in its earliest stages is key to treating it. Chattahoochee High School sophomores Ibrahim Mohammad and Sahil Hemarajani are making this crucial first step more efficient and more affordable for families seeking diagnoses.
[Left] Sahil (L) and Ibrahim presenting at the state science fair.
“The goal of our program was to create a single test that would test for different cancers and give an indication to a doctor to make a diagnosis,” they explained. By using a generalized probe, they can detect many types of cancer at a much lower cost and offer quick, accurate results that can be used to provide faster and more effective treatment and stop the spread of the cancer at an earlier stage.
While most teens would be daunted by the idea of researching cancer for their science fair project, Sahil and Ibrahim embraced the idea and knew it would give them an opportunity to wow their judges and make a difference. “Both Sahil and I have relatives who have directly had cancer or have been influenced by cancer, Ibrahim shared. “We have firsthand experience dealing with the disease and are both deeply interested in biology and disease. These factors played a big role in our dedication to the project and continued focus on our research.”
During their research, Sahil and Ibrahim observed that each cancer mutation emits slightly different amounts of fluorescence and realized that they could create a computer program that can detect these minute differences. They created a Python program that analyzes the data in the images of the fluorescence test to determine the amount of stain in the sample. They then compared this percentage value with data from actual fluorescence tests and the types of cancers those patients were diagnosed with. “Essentially, we connected the stain from a certain type of probe with an indication of the type of cancer that the patient might have,” they clarified. “In practice, bio technicians would input images from fluorescent test results into our program and doctors would use the results from our algorithm to aid in their diagnosis.”
Thanks to the guidance of their teacher and their innovative thinking, Sahil and Ibrahim not only placed first in the Translational Medical Sciences category of the Fulton County science fair and won the United States Air Force Special Award but they also received an automatic berth to compete in the International Science and Engineering Fair. The support they have received from judges and researchers alike has encouraged them to continue building on their research. They said, “We plan to convert the python code into an application that can be used in the real world. We plan to be able to expand this to other types of tests and diseases as the code would be similar.”
They also shared a word of advice for any teens who are interested in doing research of their own saying, “Sit down and think. Think about an idea that you are interested in. Think of something useful to the community. Think of something that can simplify complicated tasks. … The hardest part of scientific research is coming up with an idea, but with dedication, it can be done.”
Madhatters: Aditi, Sonika, Rasagna, and Meghan
Many premature babies are born battling for survival, but now a group of teens from South Forsyth High School are giving these babies and their families hope and a fighting chance.
Premature babies are by no means rarities. The March of Dimes, a nonprofit, reports that one in nine babies born in Georgia is born prematurely—a number that is above the national average for premature births.
(R to L) Meghana, Sonika, Aditi, and Rasagna donating to Emory NICU.
While all babies struggle with losing a lot of heat through their heads, premature babies face an even bigger challenge to maintain their body temperature in their fragile state. The Madhatter Knits Foundation, a student-led nonprofit based in California, helps these babies face that challenge by knitting hats for premature babies in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs).
In August of 2020, Aditi Bang, a senior at South Forsyth High School, was scrolling through her Instagram feed when she came across an advertisement for the Madhatter Knits Foundation and immediately reached out to Tiffany Chang, one of the co-founders of the foundation, to see how she could become involved and extend the foundation’s reach to Georgia. Together with her friends Sonika Tatipalli (Secretary), Rasagna Vuppala (Social Media Manager), and Meghana Madduri (Outreach Manager), Aditi (President) co-founded the organization’s first out-of-state chapter: the Georgia Madhatter Knits Foundation. “Knitting hats is not just to make the baby look cute, but it is a way for them to receive support in keeping themselves warm and fighting against prematurity. It is a symbol of optimism and positive blessings for their loved ones too,” Aditi explained. “Our goal is that critically ill infants will receive our love and positive blessings to support them through this tough beginning. Our main mission is to spread immediate attention regarding prematurity and equip our community with the proper knowledge and tools to raise more awareness.”
Though the pandemic posed a threat to their budding organization, they worked hard to strengthen their foundation and broaden their reach. Initially, Aditi, Sonika, Rasagna, and Meghana did not know how to knit themselves, but with Tifanny’s guidance, they learned quickly and taught some volunteers as well. They developed their social media presence, fostered connections with each volunteer they worked with, and incentivized students to get involved in their cause. In a short period of time, they expanded their foundation from a team of four to a community of over 80 volunteers ranging from fifth graders to high school seniors. Already they have knit over 2,000 beanies and donated over 20 shipments to 15 local NICUs.
The positive feedback they have received from NICU staff has only encouraged the teens to continue expanding their efforts and their organization. “One of our major goals is to donate more to rural and Southern Georgia so that each corner of the state receives our support,” Aditi shared. “We donate everywhere and provide plentiful beanies to each hospital, regardless of the size of the NICU. We all are transitioning into college in the fall, but we will still keep Madhatter Knits Foundation strong and work to make it even stronger by connecting with our college community. Anyone can join this organization. You only need two things: passion and enthusiasm to support premature babies.”
Anyone interested in joining the Georgia Madhatters Knits Foundation is welcome to contact Aditi at aditi.b604@gmail.com or to reach out on the group’s Instagram: @gamadhatterknits.
Bhavana Kunnath, a contributing writer for Khabar, is a student at Oglethorpe University. She can be reached at kunnathbhavana@gmail.com.
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