66th Annual STS (2006-2007)
Finalists
Neha Anil Deshpande

NEW JERSEY
Neha Anil Deshpande, 17, of Monmouth Junction, hopes that her Intel Science Talent Search zoology research project studying subito and pavarotti genes in Drosophila melanogaster (fruit flies) will one day lead to the end of birth defects in human infants. Neha created hybrid subito-pavarotti genes, injected them into the fruit flies and researched the role they play in meiosis - cell division necessary for reproduction. She also designed innovative gene therapy experiments to rescue lethal and sterile fruit flies. Because these genes have human equivalents, she believes her study can lead to the creation of a medication or nutritional supplement to prevent genetic disorders such as Down syndrome. Born in India, Neha recently received a diploma in Bharatnatyam, Indian classical dance. She attends South Brunswick High School, where she is president of the Medical Futures Club and the French Honor Society. Neha serves as chairman of the Central Jersey Youth Council for the March of Dimes and has received numerous awards for her volunteer efforts. She hopes to attend Johns Hopkins or Columbia and eventually earn M.D./Ph.D degrees. Neha is the daughter of Anil and Savita Deshpande.