Support Lily's Research Journey: A Future Biochemist's Dream

Support Lily Sadler's Research Journey: A Future Biochemist's Dream

Meet Lily Sadler, a bright, determined, and passionate senior at the Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences (SAAS), who is about to embark on a remarkable journey as she prepares to graduate this June. Lily is not just another student — she’s a future scientist ready to make a difference in the world. Throughout her time at SAAS, Lily has dedicated herself to her studies and has developed an insatiable curiosity about the intersection of technology and biology. Now, she is standing on the cusp of an exciting opportunity that could shape her future, and we need your support to help her continue her groundbreaking research.

This spring, Lily will complete her senior internship at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and will return to her independent research this summer. To continue her research in Computational Biochemistry under the mentorship of a SAAS alum. This research is critical — it focuses on understanding protein structures and interactions, which could lead to advancements in disease treatment and the development of life-saving drugs. However, to make real progress, she needs the tools to handle the complex 3-D modeling software essential to her work.

The Challenge: Outdated Technology

The software required for Lily's research is extremely demanding, and unfortunately, her current computer just isn't up to the task. To complete her summer research effectively, Lily needs to upgrade her system with an external GPU (and other tech) that will allow her to run the intricate simulations and models necessary for her work. Without this upgrade, her ability to continue her research would be severely limited, and this is where you can help.

The Opportunity: Partnership with a SAAS Alum

Lily's journey isn't just about her hard work and determination; she’s also fortunate to have the guidance of a talented mentor. She has partnered with Quinton Dowling, a SAAS alumnus from the class of 2005. Quinton is a PhD scholar who has worked under the Nobel Prize-winning Dr. David Baker at the University of Washington. Together, they are working on advanced computational models that could have profound impacts on the field of biochemistry. Quinton’s mentorship has been invaluable, and Lily is poised to contribute meaningfully to their cutting-edge research.

The Future: Georgia Tech and Beyond

This fall, Lily will take the next step in her academic career when she heads to Georgia Tech University. There, she will study Biochemistry with a minor in Biomedical Engineering, as a proud recipient of a scholarship from the School of Sciences. She will also be a member of the Explore Living Learning Community, where she will join other like-minded students committed to exploring the intersection of science, technology, and engineering.

Lily's future is bright, and this summer’s research experience is the perfect stepping stone toward her dream of making meaningful contributions to the world of biochemistry and biomedical engineering. But for that to happen, she needs your help to ensure she has the tools and resources necessary to succeed.

How You Can Help:

Lily is raising funds to purchase an external GPU to power the computational demands of her research. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will directly contribute to upgrading her technology and allowing her to make the most of this invaluable opportunity.

Your support will not only enable Lily to complete her research this summer but will also help set the stage for her future success as she prepares for college and the incredible scientific journey ahead. Together, we can help Lily continue her passion for science and make the world a better place through her work.

Thank you for your generosity and support!

- Martin Brakke (SAAS Science Faculty and Lily's Independent Study Facilitator)