Research in High School?

“I have never been able to say that a class has changed me, but The Ridgefield High School Science Research Program is no more a “class” than Google is a webpage. It has taken off from an academic course to a family of students who journey together from early curiosity to self discovery in the science research world. In the process, the students learn how to professionally and appropriately express themselves and share their message with others. This community of learners grows in their abilities not only in science, but in their real-world skills that help a student in every class. Along with these skills, the students also are awarded with incredible opportunities including conducting authentic research and entering elite science competitions. Students’ ‘topics’ are not just projects, these are the ideas that will fuel the future of research and innovation.”

While reflecting on the Science Research course for a post on its website, see here, I was reminded again of the incredibly unique opportunity I have been given to live in a town with a program like this and to be accepted in a community of learners who help each other grow and develop as students and professionals. Most can agree that large scale research in high school is nearly impossible, but this group of students and friends strives to achieve such tremendous success, and I am more than proud to be involved.

Thanks,

Jennifer

A Cure For Cancer is Not My Goal? (Book Preview)

“My goal was never, and never will be to ‘cure cancer,’ but rather it is to treat cancer with less harmful side effects. Enhancing the lives of suffering patients is more than what I would ever want to accomplish. Also, I do not believe there ever will be one single cure for cancer. I am confident that there will be major improvements in the future to make curing cancer in certain individuals much easier, but I do not think a ‘cure’ exists beyond dreams.” -Preview of Innovation, the Key to Hope

With over 200 types of cancer, I can promise I will not be the magician that creates a “wonder-drug” that can cure all cancers, but what I can ensure is that I am devoted to improving the lives of others. While I am in the early stages of research, I know that specific molecule inhibitor drugs have a possibility to treat cancer with fewer side effects than typical cytotoxic chemotherapy. My research  project revolves around enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients in the future, anytime before the magic cure-all potion is invented in 2500.

Jokes aside, a cure would be amazing, but thinking small is key. One protein may control the fate of an entire person. A tiny chain of amino acids in a cluster of cells can kill. The precise mechanisms to target these are the innovative ideas of tomorrow.

Thanks,

Jennifer

The Past is in the Past

The infamous words “you have cancer” have been discussed across the globe with the same sorrowful response since the first time those words were ever spoken. However, some may find that while the cancer is destroying and invading their body, the treatment may actually be causing the most intense suffering. While often for cancer treatments, one must get worse before they get better, the same outlook has been given to cancer treatment for years. There are new treatments in the works that have the ability to diminish side effects from cancer treatments and there has never been a better time to seek such a solution.

While treatments like the ones I’m researching will not be options for most people for years, even understanding that other options exist can improve the difficult experience of suffering with cancer. Not only will these treatments enhance cancer treatment in the future, but they also allow patients to look past the present with hope for the future of medicine. As endless stories of patients’ tragedies fill the media, it may often be hard to see past the pain. While everyday is painful, just knowing there are options and that you are receiving the best possible treatment for your condition is enough to keep a person cheerful and determined to “win the fight”

These ideas and inventions are what fuel progress to a more successful cancer treatment and to happier lives. Subscribe to this blog to receive email updates on the first and third Friday of each month as I continue to describe how I am revising my book and preparing to publish it by April 2015. Also, please share blog posts with other survivors, caregivers, researchers or anyone you think would enjoy.

Thanks,

Jennifer

Introduction: Why?

“My name is Jennifer Schwartz and I am a Junior in the Ridgefield High School Science Research Program,” is always how I have been taught to introduce myself, but I am now proud to call myself so much more than a student. In a little over a year in my school’s Science Research Program, I have become an innovator, a creator, a scientist and hopefully by the end of my second year in the course, an author.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not writing “a science book.” I am discussing my perspective on cancer research and the disconnect between patients, researchers, and the public. My research journey has been so much more than I had ever expected. The exposure to the cancer research field is nothing like what I expected and I’m proud to be able to share my opinions and ideas with the public.

Subscribe to this blog to receive email updates on the first and third Friday of each month as I continue to describe how I am revising my book and preparing to publish it by April 2015. Also, please share blog posts with other survivors, caregivers, researchers or anyone you think would enjoy.

Thanks,

Jennifer