May 22, 2008 – How many students do you know that get to rub elbows with scientists finding treatments for some of the most troublesome diseases? In North Colonie, students like Anjali Puttachi, who participate in the science research program, have a chance to do just that.

As part of the three-year Science Research Program at Shaker High School, Puttachi began studying the major factors that influence the progression of cardiovascular disease, particularly atherosclerosis during her junior year.

“I knew I wanted to study heart disease,” said the 17-year-old budding scientist.

In October 2007, Puttachi began conducting her research in a lab at Albany Medical Center under the guidance of co-mentors Dr. Rohan Samarakoon and Dr. Paul J. Higgins.

"Anjali impressed me by taking many stepping stones necessary to be a good scientist," said Samarakoon. "She began reading extensively on the subject and asking important scientific questions.”

Puttachi spent about six hours per week on her project, entitled, “The Role of EGFR in TGF-Beta Induced PAI-1 Gene Expression.”

This spring, her project won first place at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) Science Fair, which automatically allowed her to advance to the International Intel Science & Engineering Fair—the world's largest pre-college science competition.

More than 1,500 high school students from 51 countries competed at the fair in Atlanta, GA, May 12-16, for nearly $4 million in scholarships and awards. Puttachi received a $5,000 scholarship from Albany College of Pharmacy.

Nearly 20 percent of the projects presented at the fair have been patented or have been submitted to become patented.

“It’s very rare to have an Intel finalist—let alone two in consecutive years,” said science supervisor Keith Bogert.

Last year, Arun Puttachi, Anjali’s older brother, placed second in the world at the Intel competition for his groundbreaking project focused on cancer cell research and cell senescence. Currently, Arun is studying pre-med at Boston University.

Puttachi credits her mother for their success.

“She pushes us to be our best,” said Puttachi. She also recognized the helpfulness of her mentors.

Following in the steps of her family, Puttachi is interested in pursuing a career in medicine.

“I don’t know if I would go into research, but I like what I’m finding out now,” she said.