Being involved in both programs confirmed my interest in pursuing physics and biology
Sydney NYSF student Jonathan Li attended the Research Science Institute (RSI) in Boston as part of the National Youth Science Forum’s International Program in July this year.
Selected from 112 competitive applicants for the International Program drawn from NYSF’s January Sessions in 2013, Jonathan says, “I couldn’t believe my luck when I was offered the chance to go to Boston.”
Jonathan conducted a research project in computational biophysics, researching RecA, a recombinase protein that assists in DNA repair. His work at Harvard was supervised by Professor Mara Prentiss and Dr Claudia Danilowicz.
Jonathan Li (r) with fellow student, Stephen Ban (l) from Utah in the US
“I was applying force across DNA strands and observing the binding/unbinding rates of RecA from the DNA in different conditions. During this research, I discovered that the homology search for DNA repair sequences occurred faster in adenosine diphosphate due to a structural change provided in ATP hydrolysis. This information helps us to understand how DNA repair and meiosis occurs on a basic level in the human body. From these results, I was able to put together a scientific paper and present it to scientists from nineteen different countries.”
“I didn’t think I would be able to top the NYSF January experience as it allowed me to form incredible bonds with the other students. Attending RSI in Boston just extended the opportunity for me.
“Being involved in both programs confirmed my interest in pursuing physics and biology studies, and I hope my career will continue in these fields. I have also realised the importance of skills in computational science and mathematics in this area, and I will be pursuing these subjects in college.”
Jonathan’s attendance at the Research Science Institute in Boston was supported by NYSF Partner, the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).