Meet the Researcher

My name is Cleo Melville, and I am a senior at Rock Canyon High School in Highlands Ranch Colorado. In my time at Rock Canyon, I have had the opportunity to complete a number of research projects on a variety of different topics. For instance, I had the opportunity to design and carry out a year-long research project through the biotechnology program, whereby I worked with a partner to determine the impact of lavender essential oil on the seizure duration of mutated bang sensitive (bs) Drosophila melanogaster. I am incredibly interested in topics such as seizures and epilepsy as I have close family members who suffer from frequent seizures, and therefore I have a vested interest in the topic. Similarly, I completed a number of research projects in my AP Seminar class, one group project focusing on the presence of gender discrimination in the film industry, and one individual research project looking at the ban Greek life movement, and how fraternity and sorority culture negatively impact college campuses. Both of these topics align heavily with my interests as they involve social issues, specifically relating to gender inequality in both instances. I believe that gender inequality remains and incredibly prevalent issue today, and in order to mitigate this issue more research should be done in order increase understanding and therefore  lead to discussion about viable solutions to the issue. The idea of my passion for increasing understanding of the presence of gender inequality or bias leads me to my current research project on gender bias in the 2024 US presidential election, as limiting obstacles for women in politics can be incredibly beneficial for lessening obstacles in other professions.