Research by a St Albans School A-level student into a protein called Asparagine that can impact motor and brain function in humans has been praised by judges at a science competition.

Ellen Piercy was selected as one of the top three from 2,000 original entries and 200 finalists at the Big Bang Fair at the Young Scientist of the Year Awards in Birmingham. 

Ellen spent five weeks at Rothamsted Research in Harpenden during her summer holiday, cloning a gene in wheat in order to study the Asparagine protein.

When this accumulates in the grain, it can create a carcinogen when it is cooked which can affect motor and brain function.

Given a display space at the NEC, Ellen spent five days talking to the public and judges about her work, before she gave a half hour presentation to industry experts.

She said: "It wasn't as intimidating as it might seem as they were all really interested in what we had been doing and were very helpful and friendly.

"I have learned a great deal about how to present my work and communicate key scientific information. I also learned so much while at the fair, as the projects varied so widely. It was fascinating to learn from each other."

The project was Ellen's second stint at Rothamsted after work experience at the research institute, and she also worked for two weeks in a cancer research laboratory.

She hopes to go on to read Biological Sciences at Durham University and is keen to progress into the world of scientific research.

The Headmaster of St Albans School, Jonathan Gillespie, said this result is an indication of Ellen’s fantastic dedication to a subject she is clearly very passionate about.

Mr Gillespie said: "Ellen is to be congratulated for the application she has shown to Science. To come third in a nationwide competition such as Young Scientist of the Year is a tremendous feat, and everyone at the School is immensely proud of her achievement."