Teenage Scientists Against Superbugs

2025 HSHRC Finalist Proposal

By: Emaan Sheikh, 2025 HSHRC Finalist

The rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria represents one of the most pressing medical challenges of our time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur in the United States each year, resulting in over 35,000 deaths (CDC 2024). Of particular concern is the emergence of "superbugs" - bacteria resistant to multiple antibiotics - which severely limit treatment options for common infections. The World Health Organization projects that by 2050, antimicrobial resistance could claim 10 million lives annually worldwide if no significant action is taken (WHO 2024). 

The traditional pharmaceutical pipeline for new antibiotic discovery has slowed dramatically. Major pharmaceutical companies have largely abandoned antibiotic research due to limited profitability, with only a handful of new antibiotics approved in the past decade (NIH 2024). This creates an urgent need for innovative approaches to identify new antimicrobial compounds, particularly from natural sources where many of our most effective antibiotics originated. Our solution, "Teenage Scientists Against Superbugs" (TSAS), proposes a nationwide network of high school student researchers conducting systematic soil sampling and preliminary screening for antibiotic-producing microorganisms. This approach builds upon the successful Small World Initiative but specifically targets teenage involvement and leverages modern technology for coordination and data sharing. The program would work through components. 

Systematic sample collection would involve participating high schools receiving standardized soil collection kits and training materials. Students would collect samples from diverse local environments, recording GPS coordinates and environmental data through a custom mobile app. This process creates a

comprehensive map of potential antibiotic-producing microorganisms while teaching students proper scientific methodology. For preliminary screening, students would use a simplified version of the Tiny Earth protocol to conduct initial screening of soil samples for antimicrobial activity. This includes basic microbiology techniques that can be safely performed in high school laboratories with proper supervision, such as soil dilution and plating on selective media, observation of zones of inhibition, basic microscopy and colony characterization, and digital documentation of results. A dedicated web platform would allow students to upload their findings, creating a searchable database of potential antibiotic-producing organisms. This platform would feature standardized data entry forms, image upload capabilities, geographic visualization of sampling sites, basic analysis tools for pattern recognition, and connections to professional researchers for promising leads. 

The feasibility of this program is supported by several factors. Most high schools already have basic laboratory facilities suitable for preliminary screening work. The required materials are relatively inexpensive, with an estimated cost of $200-300 per participating school for initial supplies. Training can be provided through online modules and virtual workshops led by microbiologists and science educators. Success of this approach is evidenced by similar programs. The Tiny Earth initiative has already led to the discovery of several novel antibiotic-producing organisms through student research (Garcia et al., 2024). By specifically targeting high school students and incorporating modern technology, TSAS could significantly expand the scope of such efforts. 

The potential impact of this program extends beyond the immediate goal of antibiotic discovery. Participating students gain hands-on experience with real-world research, potentially inspiring future careers in medical science. The program also promotes scientific literacy and understanding of antibiotic resistance among teenagers, who can become advocates for proper antibiotic use in their communities. For implementation, we propose a pilot program in 50 high schools across diverse geographic regions, coordinated through state science teacher associations and supported by partnerships with university

microbiology departments. Successful results from the pilot would support expansion to additional schools nationwide. 

Works Cited 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Antibiotic Resistance Threats in the United States, 2024." CDC.gov, 2024. 

García-García I, Narberhaus A, Marqués-Iturria I, Garolera M, Rădoi A, Segura B, Pueyo R, Ariza M, Jurado MA. Neural responses to visual food cues: insights from functional magnetic resonance imaging. Eur Eat Disord Rev. 2013 Mar;21(2):89-98. doi: 10.1002/erv.2216. Epub 2013 Jan 24. PMID: 23348964. 

"The State of Antibiotic Innovation." NIH.gov, 2024. 

"Student-Led Discovery of Novel Antimicrobial Compounds through the Tiny Earth Initiative." Journal of Microbiology Education, 45(2), 2024. 

World Health Organization. "Global Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance." WHO.int, 2024. National Institutes of Health.