Genius takes form in senior Lisa Michaels, who has been selected as an Intel Science Talent Search (STS) finalist, a national competition for young scientists.

“Thousands of students apply and 40 get selected as finalists,” Lisa said. “These 40 students get to travel to Washington, D.C. for a week to meet President Obama and interview with Nobel laureates. The top 10 winners each win up to $100,000.”

Lisa’s fascination with science began after attending a summer camp at Duke University. After that, her love for the human brain blossomed.

“I began doing projects on neuroscience,” Lisa said. “When my grandfather was diagnosed with pre-dementia, I felt Alzheimer’s would be a worthy and interesting topic for my research.”

After beginning her Alzheimer’s research, Lisa began competing in science competitions.

“I was able to attend the international science fair twice,” Lisa said. “It was amazing to present to all these world-renowned scientists that believed my project could really contribute to the scientific community.”

The scientists she has met have allowed her to create unique relationships with people who truly understand her work. One of Lisa’s school friends, senior Christina Martin, has been friends with Lisa since the fifth grade and recalls that Lisa’s enthusiasm for science sprouted at an early age.

“Lisa has always been passionate about science and the ideas surrounding it,” Martin said. “Lisa could talk about the science behind her main work for 30 minutes straight. I would not understand a single word, but she is always willing and excited to share her ideas and findings with others.”

Lisa has a large body of support behind her that encourages her to do well and excel in everything she does.

“My family and friends have always been my greatest supporters and biggest critics and that balance has gotten me where I am today,” Lisa said. “My grandmother, a doctor, has really inspired me since she recovered from two cancers and still stands strong. She now donates all of her salary to charity and is a strong believer in the progress of science.”

Her mother, Shobha Michaels, hopes Lisa will learn the valuable lessons her travels and opportunities have opened to her.

“We have always encouraged her to pursue her passions, whether it was sports, music or science,” Shobha said. “We encouraged her to take all the opportunities that were offered to her by the Plano school district. We brought her books and research articles to read, supported her when she decided to build a home lab, bought her the lab supplies and traveled to labs in Dallas and Houston.”

Her parents and family stand behind her and wish her the very best in her interests.

“We wish Lisa grows to be a smart humanitarian—a competent, caring, compassionate person,” Shobha said. “I hope she keeps her spark of creativity and surrounds herself with positive people. I hope she excels in whatever she chooses to do, and I hope she knows she can make a difference.”

Lisa works relentlessly to contribute to the scientific community and successfully shows that it is possible to follow a passion and transform it into a career.

“We have always encouraged her to work at the edge of her competence,” Shobha said. “And we tried to instill in her that anything worth doing is worth doing well.”