December 14, 2009 - Shaker High School senior Prateek Baghel has been named a semi-finalist by the Siemens Foundation for his research in prostate cancer. Baghel has been conducting prostate cancer research at a private medical facility in Albany for the past three years. Through his research, he discovered that, contrary to medical understanding, androgen receptors actually play a role in the development of androgen independent prostate cancer.

The Siemens Competition in Math, Science & Technology recognizes remarkable talent early on, fostering individual growth for high school students who are willing to challenge themselves through science research. Through this competition, students have an opportunity to achieve national recognition for science research projects that they complete in high school. It is administered by The College Board and funded by the Siemens Foundation.

When asked what the recognition means to him, Prateek simply states:

“It means I have been recognized. It is a very rewarding feeling. What is better than being recognized by your peers?”

“I continue to be enormously impressed with Prateek’s work in the Science Research Program,” Science Department Supervisor, Keith Bogert said. “Prateek’s accomplishments certainly help foster an interest in science and, I believe, motivate other students to work hard to achieve success.”

Prateek Baghel set out to make a difference in the world. From a very early age, he knew what he wanted out of life, something that many have a hard time ever figuring out.

“I always wanted to be a doctor,” Prateek said. “I have an obsession with wanting to stop cancer deaths. The obsession led me to become more interested in creating methods for doctors to use in treatment.”

You may wonder how Prateek can formulate such a plan, but as history shows, it has merit. When Prateek was seven years old, his grandfather was diagnosed with prostate cancer.

“The therapy was intense and he was not the same afterwards,” Prateek said.
“Even being that young, I knew what cancer was, but how he was being treated really piqued my interest.”

Prateek’s father is a physician and started to explain to his son in some detail about the treatment Prateek’s grandfather was undergoing. With this knowledge, Prateek’s path to cancer research began to be paved.
When Prateek was in 10th grade, he entered a science fair at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). His project centered on prostate cancer and Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT), a type of treatment for this type of cancer. A gentleman approached Prateek and began to ask him questions about his project. The gentleman later revealed that he had the Androgen Independent form of prostate cancer.

“About 210,000 people are diagnosed with this form and roughly 30,000 die each year from it,” Prateek said. “I knew I was not going to be able to help him, but just his interest in my research and the possibilities of it being used in the future, made me realize that what I am doing is really worth it and it may help save a life in the future.”

Prateek said there are times he struggles with being taken seriously. After all, he is 17 years old and working in a very challenging field. However, he has a very simple theory on how to conquer those struggles.

“If you can cite the literature and explain why you are right, they (other researchers) will respect you,” he said. “If you transcend the age, you will be taken seriously.”

Prateek will major in science when he enters college in the fall. He would like to continue his studies in molecular biology.