2024 Awardees 

Shreeya Suresh

Oakton High School 

Cross-sector Policy Analysis of Post-IRA Investment in Small Molecule Cancer Therapies 

The Outstanding Research Award is the top research award for the program. Shreeya has successfully presented a study that is not only well-executed and evidence-based, but also original and impactful in its findings. It represents the highest standard of research excellence and scholarly dedication within the competition.  Throughout the 2024 summer program, Shreeya demonstrated exceptional dedication, critical thinking, and a deep commitment to exploring innovative solutions, going above and beyond in her effort to deliver a comprehensive and impactful study. Shreeya analyzed not only the surface-level effects of the Inflation Reduction Act, but explored the broader, more nuanced impacts on R&D investments and industry behaviors. Tackling topics like pharmaceutical innovation, government price controls, and long-term effects on healthcare is challenging, yet Shreeya has managed to present a nuanced and multi-layered analysis. 

Catherine Han

Carter G. Woodson High School

Disparities in Diagnosis of ADHD Among Girls vs. Boys

This award is presented to a study that excels in its use of quantitative methods, precise analysis, and insightful interpretation of results. Catherine's exceptional ability to apply statistical analysis connected the findings back to her research objectives. Catherine has demonstrated the ability to clean, process, and apply advanced statistics in Python. She applied those skills to a nationally recognized source of child health data, The National Survey of Children's Health. Catherine’s study design is well-structured, with clear objectives aimed at comparing ADHD diagnoses across sex, race, and socioeconomic factors. Her focus on highlighting disparities between boys and girls in ADHD diagnosis is both timely and important, as it addresses a real issue in healthcare that often goes overlooked.

Sarah Roelke 

Lake Braddock Secondary School

Risk Factors of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy: a systematic review

This award is given to a student who demonstrates excellence in selecting, analyzing, and integrating high-quality research articles, offering a balanced and insightful summary of the current evidence. The Sarah's work reflects a deep understanding of the subject matter, critical appraisal skills, and the ability to draw meaningful conclusions that advance knowledge in the field. Sarah demonstrated an advanced understanding of Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM), a complex and understudied form of heart failure. Her study comprehensively explored physiological risk factors, genetic markers, and the methodological limitations of current research on PPCM. By providing up-to-date data on PPCM and emphasizing the need for further genetic and risk factor research, Sarah has shown that her work has direct implications for clinical practice. 

Meghana Mendu

Bayside High School 

Evaluating the Role of Stigma in Cancer Screening Disparities among Adults living with Chronic Illness 

This award is given to the student that demonstrates an exceptional ability to contextualize existing studies within the broader field, drawing meaningful connections between diverse sources while providing a comprehensive overview. Their work reflects a deep understanding of the subject matter, clear organization, and strong analytical skills, ultimately advancing the reader's understanding of the topic in a meaningful way. Meghana examined the role of stigma in contributing to cancer screening and diagnosis disparities among adults living with chronic illness. The review suggests that addressing these disparities requires both policy changes to improve patient awareness and provider-patient communication. Additionally, the study identifies a need for further research to understand the mechanisms by which stigma impacts care access.