Andrew Kim-HSHSP
Andrew Kim-HSHSP
Andrew Kim-HSHSP
ESSAY #1:
Your personal essay of 400-600 words must be neat and should address your interests in
scientific research and in attending the HSHSP. What do you think you can contribute and any
other significant related events in your life that you feel would be helpful to the Director in
evaluating your application? I do not want to receive an essay that details your lifetime awards
and honors, but rather an honest and compelling story about why you want to spend 7 weeks of
your summer away from family and friends, doing full-time research, and why your
participation would make difference in your life.
Today, the relentless news of the Ukraine war casts a shadow over each new day.
Growing up with grandparents who weathered the storm of the Korean War, I was afforded a
unique perspective on the tragedy of conflict. Their vivid narratives served as a link between past
struggles and present realities, revealing the profound and enduring effects of war across generations.
In the aftermath of the battlefield, a new war emerges—a fight on a microscopic scale. This
is the battle against antibiotic resistance, its origins hidden beneath the remnants of past conflicts. War
serves as a catalyst for the evolution of antibiotic resistance, as the urgent need to save lives leads to
the widespread and often indiscriminate use of antibiotics. However, this very use contributes to the
emergence and spread of resistant bacteria, creating a silent but deadly threat that transcends time and
borders.
Driven by the urgent need for antibiotic alternatives in conflict zones, I embarked on a quest
to address pulmonary diseases stemming from waterborne infections, drawing inspiration from the
resilience of Evening Primrose. Flourishing even in the harshest of conditions, Evening Primrose
intrigued me with its abundant active substances like tryptophan and linoleic acid, suggesting
potential in combating infectious bacteria. Trading my summer for the lab, I proved that Evening
Primrose oil extract exhibited remarkable antibacterial properties while the flower extract displayed
exceptional capabilities in inflammation modulation, immune response, and even the regeneration of
damaged cells.
While I found my initial discoveries exhilarating, I recognized their limitations in providing
a lasting solution for pulmonary disease. Seeking more enduring answers, I delved into the realm of
polymeric nanoparticles, captivated by their potential to revolutionize the treatment of pulmonary
infectious diseases. Conventional therapies rely heavily on high doses of antibiotics administered
frequently, presenting challenges in efficacy and patient compliance. In contrast, the advent of inhaled
antibiotic-loaded polymeric nanoparticles offers a promising alternative by facilitating targeted drug
delivery to affected areas, ensuring rapid onset of action, direct deposition into the lungs, and
improved therapeutic outcomes at lower doses. Moreover, the groundbreaking research exploring the
use of nanoparticles for gene editing in lung diseases like cystic fibrosis further fueled my
determination to explore the vast potential of polymeric nanoparticles in healthcare.
I am deeply intrigued by the potential of polymeric nanoparticles to transform the landscape
of treating challenging lung diseases and combatting antibiotic resistance. Their potential in
mitigating antibiotic resistance presents a compelling solution to a pressing global health crisis we
have inadvertently exacerbated. At HSHSP, I hope to explore the boundless possibilities that
polymeric nanoparticles offer in revolutionizing healthcare and shaping a healthier future for all.
HSHSP provides a unique platform for high school students like myself to engage directly
with cutting-edge projects conducted by world-class researchers. The exclusivity of this program not
only underscores its significance but also highlights the exceptional learning experience it offers. By
immersing myself in hands-on research within the realm of polymer science, I anticipate gaining
invaluable insights and practical skills as well as analytical and problem-solving skills. I also want to
learn about the latest developments in the field of polymer science and interact with ambitious
students from all over the world gaining perspectives while fostering new friendships. My
participation in HSHSP will represent not only a pivotal step in my academic and professional journey
but also a profound opportunity to cultivate lasting connections within the scientific community.