Congressman Brian Baird (D-WA) visited with Neela Thangada. She received a free trip to Washington, D.C. for the success of her experiment.
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Millions of individuals struggle each day to end the world-hunger epidemic; but how many 15-year-old girls do you know who are cloning plants to produce more food for starving individuals?

Meet Neela Thangada, daughter of Mrudula Rao, M.D. clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at the Health Science Center. Neela began an experiment more than two years ago that involves cloning potatoes using different nutrient concentrations. After several trials, and even a few failures, Neela persevered. Eventually, her project showed how different nutrient concentrations affect the multiple stages of growth in a potato – something that could lead to producing a higher yield of potatoes (or plants) faster than they can grow.

“After visiting my parent’s native country, India, I wanted to connect my science experiment with world hunger,” Neela said. “It is so different there – a completely different world, in some aspects. I hope my experiment can speed plant cloning and help those who are hungry.”

Her award-winning experiment and scientific knowledge earned her the prestigious title of “America’s Top Young Scientist of the Year,” named by a panel of judges at the Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge. She received a $20,000 scholarship, and has appeared on the Today Show and the Discovery Channel. She has also been featured in the San Antonio Express-News and in several national publications. Neela is the first Texan to receive the title.

Neela’s potato cloning experiment earned her a spot on the Today Show Nov. 1.

“This is all completely unexpected,” she said. When asked if she is intimidated by all the publicity, she said: “If I’m nervous, I’m not going to enjoy this. The topic is something I’m familiar with and very comfortable talking about. I’m glad to share it.”

Although Neela’s experiment landed her on top, being deemed the nation’s best was not her ultimate goal.

“I started out competing in the Alamo Regional Science Fair,” Neela said. “My goal was to make it to the semi-finals, which consists of the nation’s top 400 middle-school scientists. I was amazed when I made it to the top 40 and then named at the top.”

Neela said her most anxious moments were during the three-day contest featuring the nation’s top 40. Judges from around the United States observed the competitors’ scientific knowledge and their ability to communicate it to all age groups.

“There were some hard scientific challenges,” Neela said. “We were divided into eight teams of five and had to do things like build a 40 ft. tornado and make a tsunami using a wave tank. The challenges included several kinds of sciences: including biology, physics, chemistry, light intensity, wave motion and even simple lab equipment identification.”

Now a ninth-grader at Keystone School, Neela plays guard on her basketball team and studies classical Indian music and dance. All of her achievements keep her busy, but Neela still finds the opportunity to spend time with friends and family.

“Neela has proven that San Antonians are just as capable as any others to be successful,” her mother, Dr. Rao, said. “She never gives up, even when she hits some bumps. Neela sets her goals and goes for them. I hope that she will inspire peers to work hard to succeed.”

Neela has been conducting her experiment in the lab of Manjeri Venkatachalam, M.B., B.S., professor of pathology, for the past two years and continues to study in his lab. Numerous Health Science Center researchers and staff members have assisted Neela with her science experiments.

“I would not have been able to be so successful with my science experiment if it weren’t for Dr. Venkatachalam, Yogi Patel, Dr. Pothana Saikumar and all the staff members who are there for me,” Neela said. “They graciously share the lab and equipment with me, and assist me in many other ways. I am so thankful for the help I am able to receive at the Health Science Center.” Yogi Patel, M.S., is a research instructor of pathology.

So, what does Neela see in her future?

“I love science,” Neela said. “I’m thrilled to be doing these things that I never dreamt were possible.”

Jan. 31, Neela will attend the president’s State of the Union Address to speak at a Women’s Caucus Reception.

Congratulations to Neela on all her accomplishments.