PALCS USP Student Competes in International Science Fair

PALCS USP Student competes in international science fair - Intel, Ralph Lawton

Updated May 16, 2016

PALCS USP Students Compete

As our school year ended, a PALCS USP student competed in an international science fair. 12th grade PALCS University Scholars Program student Ralph Lawton won 2nd place overall in Biomedical Sciences at the INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) held from May 9-13, 2016 in Arizona. This was Ralph’s 3rd time competing at the weeklong science competition. Also, as a part of his 2nd place award for his outstanding project, MIT will be naming an asteroid after him!

Ralph’s project for this year’s fair was entitled “The Smoking Gun: Toxicological Effects of Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems on Bronchial Lung Epithelial Cells (Year Two).”  His project tested the effects of e-cigarettes and similar products. He centered on the viability and metabolic activity of lung cells. Additionally, Ralph had the opportunity to work alongside scientists at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute. These scientists had been presenting their research to the National Institutes of Health and World Health Organization. ISEF is known as the world’s largest international pre-college science fair. It has invited 1,700 students representing over 75 different countries to compete for prizes totaling $5 million.

Ralph has attended PALCS for the past eight years. He is active student in our University Scholars Program (USP) for gifted students in West Chester, PA. He is on pace to graduate at the top of his class this year. Additionally, Ralph has a long list of accomplishments. He is a member of the United States Archery Junior Dream Team, an Eagle Scout, and is also a member of the prestigious Robertson Scholars Leadership Program.

Ralph will be attending Duke University in fall 2016. He will be attending as one of 18 students accepted into the Robertson Scholars Leadership Program. This program includes full tuition, room and board, fees, and paid summer leadership experiences.

We would like to congratulate PALCS USP student Ralph Lawton! His accomplishments including his second place win at ISEF is awesome!

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