Chloe Lee of Dallas, Texas, was volunteering at an assisted living center as a high school sophomore when she learned about the risks of acetaminophen (the pain reliever widely known by the brand name Tylenol). When used heavily, the drug can damage the liver. Lee, now 18, worked with her mentor, a chemist at the University of Texas at Arlington, to produce a form of acetaminophen that is less reactive
with the liver, according to computer models.
Q: What was it like to work on this project?
A: I’ve always been interested in chemistry but hadn’t been able to work in a lab before. For this project, I got to work in a lab, which was such a dream.
Q: What did you learn from this?
A: It’s empowering to realize that even though I’m young, I can still make some kind of impact in this world using my brain.
Q: You were a finalist in the Regeneron Science Talent Search competition. What made you want to participate?
A: When I started high school, I just wanted to do research by myself. But then I realized that it’s important to share this research and learn how to communicate complicated ideas.
Q: What’s next for this new acetaminophen?
A: We’re trying to synthesize more of this new form of Tylenol to test it on liver cells. If we get positive results, we’re planning on publishing the research and filing a patent.
(This interview was edited and condensed for length and clarity.)