My name is Kris I am a tenth grade student attending Bloom Carroll High School with an intense interest in science and world affairs. I have initiated a two-year fund raising program, to totally fund a research project at OSU's post graduate plant pathology research lab under the supervision of Dr. Guo-Laing Wang (Asst Professor Department of plant Pathology @OSU). The research project purpose is to develop several genetically transformed rice strains indigenous to high need areas; poor and hungry, in Africa and middle /far east that are highly resistant to the rice blast disease; which destroys approximately 11% to 30 % of the rice crop each year. Development of these resistant strains of rice; for these high need areas of the world; would prevent the starvation of millions of children and adults. (Dr. Wang is confident that this can be accomplished in a two-year period.) These strains of rice can then be cultivated locally and indefinitely where the rice is needed most, without the need for additional outside help or distribution facilities, therefore providing a permanent solution to a long-term problem.
I plan to accomplish raising the funds for this research on my own and with the help of my fellow science, agricultural and community service club student's at Bloom Carroll High School as well as with friends around the state in other school systems. I hope to demonstrate that an individual or a small group of dedicated students can make a profound difference in the world while making a significant contribution to humanity. It is also the goal of this project to involve and inform other students in the sciences in a concrete way whereby they can participate in the process of scientific discovery and experimentation while developing an understanding of the contributions of science and biotechnology.
It is my belief that by reducing world hunger we would also reduce world tensions. This permanent reduction of hunger in these high stress areas could go a long way to eliminate another contributing factor to discontent and anger (hunger and starvation), which in turn can lead to individuals being lured into terrorist organizations.
It is my goal and Ohio State Universities' that this program can become a test pilot program that can be used to develop cooperation between Universities and High Schools across the state that will not only result in the stimulation of interest and participation in the sciences but also empower students with the knowledge that they can make major contributions. Those students that are most interested in science and the project can follow and carry the progress of the project to other interested students and groups in the area and state. Direct participation and monitoring of the project by other students as well as myself will certainly allow the students a perspective into the science, which is rarely experienced at the high school level. This stimulation should lead to greater interest in the sciences and hopefully some students choosing scientific research as a career. America can not afford the scientific brain drain it is currently experiencing. My role will be to be a fundraiser, motivator and educator until the project goals have been achieved.
The project will require approximately $120,000 over the next two years. Ohio State University will donate the lab space, all overhead costs to the project as well as Dr. Wang's compensation. 100% of all funds donated are tax deductible donations and will go to the "FEED THE WORLD FUND @ OSU" which will be used only for the researchers salary, supplies and direct expenses of the project. All funds will be acknowledged via a contribution receipt from Ohio State University. What I am seeking is your support. Any way that you can find to help support these efforts would be appreciated and a contribution to a better world. Your contribution, information, leads to organizations individuals or companies that you feel may have an interest in the educational system or in the research as well as any ideas or suggestion you have would be greatly appreciated. The research project is extremely important and worth supporting, but so is the encouragement of the students supporting it.