Science Finalist Cloned Human Enzyme

When President Bush spoke of excellence in education during his State of the Union address, he might have been talking about Anna Belle Kim of Monterey Park, who this week was named one of 40 finalists in the Westinghouse Science Talent Search.

Anna, 17, a senior at Alhambra High School, cloned a human enzyme believed to cause heart damage when it reacts with chemotherapy drugs.

According to a scientist at City of Hope Medical Center who worked with Anna on the prize-winning project, the research will enable doctors to learn more about the effects of chemotherapy.

“I’ve had some very intelligent student interns over the past 10 years but . . . she’s been the best,” said Dr. Gerald Forrest, a molecular biologist who heads the Duarte hospital’s cloning lab. “Her potential is really fantastic, she’s very focused and is interested in everything. It was exciting to watch her work.”

Anna’s interest in science began early in childhood, when she spent hours watching the intricate organizational lives of ants. She later turned a curious eye to household appliances.

“I took clocks and record players apart; it drove my mom crazy,” recalls Anna, who is also the principal cellist in the Los Angeles Youth Orchestra.

She credits her father, microbiologist Yong Sool Kim, and her mother, Hea Kyung Kim, with providing the support and encouragement to succeed. Biology teacher Duane Nichols, who heads Alhambra High’s science department, also motivated her over the years, Anna said.

Anna was one of three finalists from Southern California. Patrick Lee Purdon from Chula Vista and Annjoe Golangco Wong-Foy of San Diego will also compete for $205,000 in scholarships provided by the Westinghouse Electric Corp. Winners will be announced March 3.