Nicole, 18, is the daughter of Vicente and Carole
Munne. She is part of the class of 2018, and has been
part of the orchestra throughout high school in addition
to taking dance lessons for more than 10 years. She also
held leadership roles in the PT Red Cross and Science
clubs. “My most influential teacher has been my chemistry
teacher, Mrs. Gearhart,” she says. “Her passion for science
is contagious, and she has constantly supported me in my
academic and research endeavors.”
Nicole conducted her research project for seven weeks
in the summer of 2017 while participating in the University
of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI) Academy with Dr.
Vernetti as a mentor. “Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
afflicts about one-fourth of Americans, but there are
currently no approved therapies,” she explains. “One major
obstacle preventing progress is the lack of an effective in-
vitro NAFLD model suitable for high-throughput drug
screening. My goal was to develop such a model—a goal I
eventually achieved with the guidance of my mentor.”
Nicole executed her project at the University of
Pittsburgh Drug Discovery Institute, where her model is
currently being used for high-throughput drug screening. “I
am very proud that my research has immediate benefits to
the world,” she says.
In receiving third place in the Senior Biology category,
Nicole was selected as one of four finalists for the Intel
International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), hosted
this May in Pittsburgh. ISEF brings together students from
75 nations to compete for awards, including internship
offers and scholarships.
In the fall of this year, Nicole will be attending the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology where she plans
to major in Chemical Engineering and to stay involved in
research. “Ultimately, I hope to pursue a career in research,”
she says. “I’m very grateful to all my science teachers at
Peters Township High School, and to the directors and
mentors of the UPCI Academy who have helped me
develop a deep love for science.” ■
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Nicole Munne poses with her presentation at this year’s Covestro
Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engineering Fair (PRSEF).
PETERS TOWNSHIP
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JUNE/JULY 2018
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