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Community Corner

Holt Senior Katie Larkin Takes First at Science Fair

Katie Larkin will be presenting her research project at the the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Los Angeles in May.

Whiz Kid: Katie Larkin, Senior, 18, Lake Saint Louis

School: Wentzville Holt High School

Accomplishment: Katie took overall First Place in the High School Honors Division of the St. Charles Regional Science Fair. She also received the Stockholm Water Award (environmental), and the Navy and Air Force Research Awards, both distinguished science awards. 

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Her project was called “The Identification of the Source of Indeterminate DNA in Florescence Assays of Sterile Seed Corn.” Tests at Monsanto Company of bags of seed corn were showing problems in identifying male sterile vs. male fertile seed corn.  Katie targeted and found the DNA causing the problem. Katie will be presenting her research project at the the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Los Angeles, California in May. 

Katie will attend the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in the fall to study biochemistry with a focus in pre-medicine. 

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Key to Awesomeness: Katie said her third grade teacher, Mrs. Justmann, motivated her to want to become a doctor. Justmann died recently of breast cancer. Katie said wants to be a physician to help people like her teacher.

“My parents have also been very influential and always encouraging,” she said. “In this particular instance, my teacher Mrs. Berendzen has really allowed me to have the opportunity to go to Monsanto. She presented us with the field trip and the opportunity to do the research.”

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