Philip Golczak, a remarkable high school student, has made a significant impact on cancer research during his participation in the Youth Engaged in Science (YES)/Scientific Enrichment and Opportunity (SEO) programs. Under the guidance of Dr. Agata Exner and Dorian Durig, Philip utilized nanobubbles to monitor CAR-T cells during cancer treatment, earning him the prestigious Mark Smith Prize for outstanding achievement in science. His success highlights the power of educational programs like YES/SEO in nurturing young minds and preparing them to shape the future of biomedical advancements.
In a journey fueled by curiosity and dedication, Philip's involvement in the YES/SEO program provided valuable educational opportunities for underrepresented minority students from the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Supported by a substantial grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), YES/SEO aims to ignite a passion for cancer research and equip students with the tools to contribute to the biomedical workforce. Guided by the expertise of Dr. Agata Exner and Dorian Durig, Philip's research focused on enhancing the monitoring of CAR-T cells, a groundbreaking immunotherapy used to treat blood cancers. Pioneering a breakthrough approach, Philip harnessed the potential of nanobubbles (NBs) as ultrasound contrast agents to track CAR-T cells in real-time. By visualizing these cells, his work aimed to address challenges in cancer treatment, such as reduced efficacy in solid tumors and on-target-off-tumor toxicity.