David Kenneth Tang-Quan, 18, of Rancho Palos Verdes, took a genomic approach in studying the most common fungal pathogen affecting human beings for the microbiology project he submitted to the Intel Science Talent Search, a program of Society for Science & the Public. He focused on Candida albicans, a fungus that can invade the bloodstream of immunocompromised patients, resulting in a 50 percent mortality rate. But for C. albicans to colonize patients and cause disease (candidiasis), it must be able to withstand various stressors and invade host cells. David’s research explored two biochemical pathways that play key roles in the pathogen’s general stress response. He found that inhibiting either of these pathways at the genetic level can severely limit C. albicans’ ability to survive. David believes his findings could provide new targets for anti-candidiasis therapies which will spur the development of more effective treatments. First in his class of 552 at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School in Rolling Hills Estates, he is editor-in-chief of the school paper, president of the Latin program and math club, and sings with the varsity choir. Besides earning perfect SAT scores, David is a pianist, an Eagle Scout, and a student member of his district’s Board of Education. He is the son of Kenneth and Debbie Tang-Quan.

Tags: David Kenneth Tang-Quan, education, Intel Inspire, Intel Science Talent Search Finalists, Society for Science & the Public

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