
                         THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
                 Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, June 23, 1994                    TAG: 9406210170 
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS                     PAGE: 17    EDITION: FINAL  
SOURCE: BY SHARON LAROWE, CORRESPONDENT 
DATELINE: 940623                                 LENGTH: Medium

JELLYFISH STUDY WINS SCHOLARSHIP \

{LEAD} While many high school students were busy figuring out linear equations or dactylic meter, Casey Williams was playing scientist for real.

Williams, a recent graduate of Maury High School and student of the Magnet School for Science and Technology, was selected as a finalist for the Thomas Edison-McGraw Science and Technology Scholarship Program.

{REST} To win the scholarship, Williams wrote a paper about her research into the question, ``Could jellyfish be used to test new drugs'' for humans? Her entry was one of 10 winning projects out of the thousands of entries.

Through her Scientific Research Investigations at the Eastern Virginia Medical School, Williams tested drugs like penicillin and streptomycin on common jellyfish found in the waters of Hampton Roads.

The jellyfish's body contains the same kind of hair cells found in the human ear, ``the hair cells that help us sense balance,'' she said. And while the sea creature does not have a brain, those hair cells help it determine in what direction it is swimming.

Through her research, Williams discovered that jellyfish can be adequate substitutes in testing certain medicines before they are subjected to human use.

Williams' efforts won her an all-expenses paid trip to Chicago in April where she gave a 30-minute presentation on her findings at the National American Power Conference. She was also presented a $1,500 scholarship to use at the University of Virginia.

What the conference also provided her was the opportunity to ``be inspired by the surroundings,'' she said. Scientists from across the country came together to learn and swap information at the convention.

Williams was especially encouraged by one female scientist who passed her a business card. ``Science still is a very male-dominated field,'' she said, and the scientist wanted to encourage Williams and the other young women not to be daunted by uneven ratios.

Principal James Slaughter thinks Williams has a solid future ahead of her.

``Our kids have so much opportunity to be involved in so many things now,'' he said.

Williams said she's leaving her options open as far as a major is concerned, but would like to study environmental science or landscape architecture. by CNB