15-year-old Fil-Am science whiz wins North American regional champion title

Alessandra Storm Mauricio has advanced to the top 15 of the highly competitive Breakthrough Junior Challenge 2024. Image: Dennis Dennis/Facebook

At just 15 years old, Filipino American prodigy Alessandra Storm Mauricio has solidified her place among the top young minds in science, advancing to the top 15 of the highly competitive Breakthrough Junior Challenge 2024. 

Lexi’s journey to the finals stands out, as she emerged from a pool of over 2,300 participants from around the globe, securing the title of North American Regional Champion.

The Breakthrough Junior Challenge, known for its stringent standards and esteemed panel of judges, celebrates the scientific curiosity and creativity of young innovators.

Lexi impressed netizens with her engaging science video on Antibody Drug Conjugates (ADC), where she introduced the breakthrough therapy as a “new hero” in cancer treatment. 

Through her clear and concise explanation, she broke down the three essential components of ADCs: the antibody, the linker and the payload. Lexi described how ADCs precisely target specific cancer cell antigens, underscoring the importance of testing to ensure accurate targeting and dosage.

Lexi highlighted the fact that over 500 clinical trials are currently underway, dedicated to refining and developing new ADC therapies. 

The prestigious panel judging the Breakthrough Junior Challenge includes some of the brightest names in Science and Technology, such as Breakthrough Prize in Mathematics Laureate Ian Agol, Mae Jemison, the first African American woman in space, and Khan Academy founder and CEO Salman Khan. 

If Lexi triumphs in the final round, she will not only receive a personal scholarship but also the opportunity to win a fully equipped science laboratory for her school, potentially inspiring future generations of scientists.

This feat is just one of the many accomplishments she bagged in the past. In 2020, at just 12 years old, Lexi became the youngest presenter at the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists’ 49th Annual Global Congress, where she delivered a research presentation on whether children who play video games perform better in surgery.