Filipino-American Alessandra Storm Mauricio, a 15-year-old scientific prodigy, is making waves in the field of cancer treatment research. Known as Lexi or Storm, Mauricio has earned a spot in the prestigious Breakthrough Junior Challenge, thanks to her innovative science video on Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC) – a promising cancer therapy.
In her video, Lexi breaks down the complex ADC process, describing it as a “new hero” in the fight against cancer. She explains the three essential components: the antibody, the linker, and the payload, using engaging metaphors. Lexi likens ADCs to missiles, where the antibody guides the treatment to cancer cells, the payload acts as the weapon, and the linker stabilizes the process, ensuring precise delivery to the target.
Highlighting the importance of testing, Lexi emphasizes that ADCs must hit specific cancer cell antigens to be effective. Her video also showcases the ongoing progress in the field, noting that over 500 clinical trials are focused on developing new ADCs.
According to an Inquirer.net report, if Lexi secures one of the seven Popular Vote spots, she will advance to the final round of the competition, with the potential to win a science laboratory for her school. Voting runs until September 20.
Mauricio’s accomplishments extend beyond the Breakthrough Junior Challenge. At the age of 12, she became the youngest presenter at the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists’ (AAGL) 49th Annual Global Congress, where she delivered a presentation on whether children who play video games perform better in surgery.
With a 4.86 GPA and a growing list of achievements, Lexi is emerging as a young leader in science, showcasing her talent, dedication, and Filipino heritage on the global stage.