Revolutionizing Wound Care: 16-Year-Old High School Student Invents Gel to Detect Infections Before Symptoms

Ellie Chong, a 16-year-old student at Highland Park High School in Dallas, has created an innovative method to detect hospital-acquired infections before symptoms appear. Her project was awarded first place in the Biomedical and Health Science category at the Texas Science and Engineering Fair, earning her a $1,000 Wayne Squires Award and a spot at the International Science and Engineering Fair in Los Angeles in May.

Chong’s invention is a gel that can be attached to surgical sites under a dressing, turning blue if the site is going to show signs of infection before symptoms manifest. This is possible because infected sites become less acidic before symptoms develop, and the gel contains a dye that changes color based on the acidity of the solution. After months of testing different materials and combinations, Chong finally found the right formula for the gel.

The potential applications for Chong’s project are vast, from hospitals in Dallas to remote areas where medical care may be limited. Patients in rural areas without easy access to medical facilities could use the gel to monitor their wounds at home, providing an easy and fast way to detect infections early without requiring specialized knowledge or training. With further development, this technology could revolutionize wound care by allowing for earlier detection of infections and more effective treatment.

Chong expressed her gratitude to her science teachers at Highland Park High School for their support as well as her parents. She hopes that other students interested in science will have the opportunity to pursue their interests and meet like-minded peers through projects like hers. As she continues to explore her passion for science, Chong knows that with hard work and dedication, she can achieve great things.