Meet Ekansh Mittal: A Young Luminary in Cancer Research

In a remarkable achievement for a teenager, Ekansh Mittal, an 18-year-old from Portland, has garnered national recognition for his stellar work in cancer research. Mittal, a recent graduate of Westview High School, has shown unprecedented dedication and talent in the field of biomedical research, earning him the esteemed Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes.

Early Beginnings and Discovery of Passion

Ekansh’s scientific journey began at the tender age of 12, when he undertook his first research project while attending Meadow Park Middle School. It was during this time that he experimented with natural herbs and spices to investigate their potential antibacterial properties. As the world faced the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mittal leaned into the digital age by acquiring skills in Python—a programming language that paved the way for his exploration of computational biology.

“I fell in love with biology and research,” Ekansh remarked, a sentiment that reverberates through his exceptional accomplishments.

Pioneering Cancer Research

His recent project, which played a pivotal role in winning the Barron Prize, utilized advanced machine learning techniques to delve into the intricacies of breast cancer treatment. Holding a strong belief in the power of personalized medicine, Mittal’s research focused on leveraging technology to better understand cancer treatment resistance in patients.

The project unfolded in two significant phases. The first phase employed machine learning algorithms to identify the genetic factors contributing to the resistance against traditional cancer-fighting drugs. Following this, Mittal constructed a 3D organoid model using stem cells that mirrors human organs to explore the efficacy of various targeted therapies.

His groundbreaking findings revealed that the approach of targeting specific genes significantly outstripped the effectiveness of conventional chemotherapy by killing cancer cells while preserving healthy ones. This innovative work has the potential to reshape clinical trial methodologies and drug selection practices.

Further building on his research, he developed an alternative early detection method for cancer, which seeks to identify bacterial types often associated with cancerous conditions.

A Personal Connection to the Cause

Mittal’s profound connection to cancer research is underscored by a personal experience that left an indelible mark on his life. At age 14, a visit to his grandmother in India took a tragic turn when he learned of her diagnosis with osteosarcoma, only to lose her shortly thereafter.

“She seemingly was in perfect health— we were all up until 1 a.m. laughing and talking and connecting. That got me up out of my seat. I realized that cancer isn’t something far away,” he reflected. This heartbreaking experience has propelled his commitment to fighting against cancer and improving treatment outcomes for others.

Recognition and Mentorship

Ekansh’s research accolades extend beyond the Barron Prize. He was a national finalist at the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search, a competition which annually showcases remarkable research efforts among high school students. Presenting his work in this esteemed setting allowed Mittal to engage with judges and fellow scholars, driving him to enhance his research further.

Beyond his personal endeavors, Mittal actively nurtures a passion for mentoring the next generation. Inspired by his role as a tutor for his younger sister, Anushi, he launched STEM Universe—a tutoring platform dedicated to instilling enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in children.

“It’s sort of a full circle moment where I got into teaching by working with my little sister, and now she’s getting into teaching for the same reason,” he commented.

Future Aspirations

With the $10,000 prize from the Barron Prize, Mittal is poised to expand his academic journey as he embarks on a new chapter at Stanford University, where he is set to major in computer science. His aspirations in computational biology research remain strong, yet he welcomes the adventure of exploring various academic paths during his college years.

Ekansh Mittal embodies the spirit of innovation and compassion in the scientific community. His story inspires not only young scientists but also highlights the transformative potential of education and research in addressing some of humanity’s most pressing challenges.

Innovative approaches in cancer research can change the future of medicine.

In a world increasingly reliant on technology for solutions, Mittal reminds us of the importance of harnessing our skills for the greater good. His journey is a call to action for all young dreamers to pursue their passions and make meaningful contributions to society.