BHS Student’s Science Project Breaks All Barriers on Impact of Genetics on Craving Sugar

Science projects within the local schools may reach new heights thanks to IB2 student, Kameron Young.

The Bermudian high school student, along with her mentor Dr Carika E Weldon, will host a special “behind the scenes” presentation on Monday, November 12, 2018 at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, located at Bermuda High School for Girls (BHS).

Kameron, a 16-year-old student in her final year of the International Baccalaureate Diploma at BHS, recently conducted the following genetics study for her Biology IA.

Asked how does the TAS2R38 gene affect a person’s preference for sugar and sugar intake, the aspiring surgeon said: “I love genetics and this topic intrigued me; especially since a sugar tax was to be implemented.

“I wanted to find out if there is a correlation between your genetics and your preference for sugar.”

Kameron is the daughter of Angela Young and she is also the first Bermudian student to conduct a study of this magnitude.

Bermudian, Dr Carika Weldon, a lecturer in Biomedical and Medical Sciences at De Montfort University in Leicester, UK, described it best: “Kameron’s project is breaking the barrier between school projects and innovative biomedical research.

“Gone be the days when a school science project has boundaries within the scope of a classroom. For Kameron to be able to obtain ethical approval from the Bermuda Hospitals Board with little to no help is commendable.

“To then go on to promote her study to the general public and to collect samples from 100 willing volunteers from our community is outstanding. Not only does it show the caliber of professionalism and drive Bermuda has in its future scientific leaders, but it shows the unity our community is capable to deploy to enable our young people to reach their dreams,” she added.

“Kameron’s project brings a change for high school science on the island. She is a pioneer and has opened the floodgates for many more young Bermudian scientists to follow and surpass her demonstration of excellence.”

BHS Principal, Linda Parker said: “Kameron has done an outstanding job of linking her IB coursework and cutting-edge research with this real-life disease that plagues so many people, locally and globally. I am very proud of her.”

For Kameron, the whole experience was “exhilarating” and at times very challenging. She will share her journey during the upcoming presentation and explain why she selected the topic, her methodology and more importantly, the overall results of the study.

It was also noted that individual results will not be shared.

The presentation starts at 6pm through to 7:30pm and admission is free, but seating is limited.

To sign up, email kamerons.lab@gmail.com to avoid disappointment.

Congratulations to you and Mama Angela!