Earning science accolades at the international level, Westwood High School junior Sindhuja Uppuluri earned one of the top placements possible at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in May.

During one of the largest international fairs ever, Sindhuja took fourth place in Animal Sciences. Her project involved testing Milk Thistle and Indian Snake Root on roundworms to better understand their role in a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s. This is the second year that Sindhuja has placed at ISEF and the second time she has placed fourth in the animal sciences category.

“I never thought I would be lucky enough to experience ISEF not once, but twice in my life.  In just six short days, I had the chance to meet students, teachers, and scientists that will continue to inspire me for the rest of my life,” Sindhuja said.  “I had the chance to meet dozens of students and adults from around the world, who each contributed a unique perspective or idea to the world.”

The competition brought 1,842 students from 80 countries together to compete for the title of champion in various categories related to physics, environmental sciences, animal sciences and more.

Earlier this year, Sindhuja placed first and third in Animal Sciences in the senior and state category, respectively, at the Texas State Science Fair.