Winner of regional science fair at MSU receives top honors at international competition
May 31, 2006
A junior at the Mississippi School of Mathematics and Science in Columbus and the daughter of two Mississippi State University faculty members has found a way to destroy a deadly infection-causing bacterium.
Madhavi Gavini, 16, discovered a novel method, using herbal extracts, to destroy a common and deadly infectious bacterium—pseudomonas aeruginosa—that causes secondary infections and often leads to death in patients with compromised immune systems such as those with cancer, AIDS and serious burns. The bacterium is also responsible for 50 percent of deaths among patients suffering from cystic fibrosis.
“My grandparents got me interested in herbs and medicine and gave me a set of books called ‘Indian Medicinal Plants,’” Gavini said. “In many ways this project is a tribute to them.”
Gavini was the winner at both the Region V science fair and the state science fair held at MSU, and her experiment led her to the 57th Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Indianapolis, Ind., where she received top honors. In addition to winning $3,000 for first place in her category—Medicine and Health—and the best in category award of $5,000 and an Intel Centrino notebook computer, she was one of three students (all girls) to win the grand overall prize (the first from Mississippi), a $50,000 scholarship to the college of her choice. Both MSMS and the affiliated fair at MSU received $1,000 to benefit science and math education and to encourage more student involvement in science. About 1,500 students from 47 countries competed for nearly $4 million in scholarships and prizes at the 57th Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.
“I have always enjoyed participating in science fairs,” Gavini said. “It is a lot of intense work and late nights, but it is really exciting. You set up an experiment and then wait with great anticipation. You never know exactly what the outcome will be, and when you see the results there are always a lot more new questions, so there is never a dull moment.”
The project was part of a microbiology course at MSMS in the fall, and Gavini continued it as part of an independent study in a program for high school students in association with MSU, which allowed her to use necessary high-tech equipment from the department of biological sciences and the genomics facility at MSU’s Life Sciences and Biotechnology Institute.
Gavini is the daughter of Nara Gavini, department head of biological sciences, and Lakshmi Pulakat, professor of biology and chemistry.
“Nara and I are thrilled at Madhavi’s success at INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair,” Pulakat said. “It is a great feeling to see that she continues to uphold our commitment to science education and research, and her efforts are well recognized.”
In addition to the prizes, Gavini was also awarded a $20,000 scholarship from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security at the competition.
Gavini has participated in science fairs since middle school, where she placed first in her category in regional and state fairs and won American Society for Microbiology-sponsored awards in both the seventh and eighth grades. She was also selected as a national semifinalist in the Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge competition for middle school kids both years.
“Madhavi astounds me by what she has already accomplished as a 16-year-old,” said Emma Seiler, K-12 coordinator for the Bagley College of Engineering. “Her determination and passion for science are not only a testament of quality upbringing but also an indication of even greater things to come, and I’m proud to say she is from our region.”
This is the 10th year of Intel’s title sponsorship of the International Science and Engineering Fair. Intel ISEF is the world’s largest celebration of science showcasing the world’s most promising young scientists and inventors in grades 9-12. The finalists were among 65,000 students competing at more than 558 regional Intel ISEF-affiliated science fairs worldwide to win the right to participate at the Intel ISEF.