Though only 15 he undertook research, commenced by a PhD student, and in the coming week will have the chance to win a trip to the US to present his findings.

Kaleb, a Year 9 student at Cornerstone Christian College, is the first regional student to be accepted into the program.

He spent considerable time working alongside associate professor Ricardo Mancera of the School of Pharmacy at Curtin University for the program.

“It’s been hard work. I have always wanted to work in the scientific field, and even after how challenging this has been, I am still keen to pursue it as a career choice in the future,” Kaleb said.

Competing against nine other finalists, there will be a chance to be selected for two opportunities to travel to the United States and share his findings with the science community there. These two students will share the floor with the best young scientists from America and Canada.

Kaleb’s task was to understand the role that water plays within the structure of proteins, which allows biologists to consider ways they can manipulate the water molecules and therefore change the structure (shape) of the protein.

This then presents the possibility of changing a protein’s purpose and function within its organism.

The research has the potential to play a part in furthering understanding of genetic modification and understanding the role proteins play in diseases.

Kaleb had to use and understand complex computer programs that enabled him to learn about a particular protein family.

He spent last week preparing a presentation, which he will present to a panel of high profile scientists, including Nobel Prize Laureate, Dr Robin Warren.

Cornerstone science teacher, Will Meyer, nominated Kaleb for the challenge last year and said he had shown dedication to the task and deserves the honour that is being bestowed on him.

“Kaleb juggled his normal school work with this enormous project and done so well with both,” he said.