SM East Senior’s Research Included in Scientific Journal Publication

Senior Stuti Dalal's Research Was Published in Scientific Magazine
Shawnee Mission School District

Stuti Dalal, a senior at SM East, has contributed research to a recently published scientific journal.  

She shared research on the role iron may play in visual symptoms experienced by individuals who have diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Dalal is one of seven authors contributing to “Prion protein modulates iron transport in the anterior segment: Implications for ocular iron homeostasis and prion transmission” published in an October 2018 edition of “Experimental Eye Research.”

Dalal was first inspired to begin this research after talking to her great uncle about his experience with Alzheimer’s disease.

“Ocular symptoms play an extremely big role in reducing the quality of life for many patients and yet there is not a research focus on these aspects,” Dalal said. “After talking to him, I realized that even though memory loss is the main symptom of Alzheimer's disease, his ocular symptoms were the worst for him and caused him the most suffering because eyes are the main way through which he perceives and understands the world around him.” 

This publication adds to a growing resume of awards for Dalal. She has received honors for her research at the school, state, district, tri-state, national and international level, including qualifying as a sophomore for the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

“To be a senior in high school and also a published scientific author Is a tremendous accomplishment,” SM East science teacher Miles Martin said.

Senior Stuti Dalal's Research Was Published in Scientific Magazine