Teen Gets $1,000 Grant for Work in Science

A high school senior from Van Nuys is one of only 23 winners out of more than 5,000 entrants nationwide in the Infusium 23 Women in Science Awards.

Lusine Danakian, 17, a student at Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School in Hollywood, received a $1,000 award for her essay detailing the scientific work she has completed and her career goals as a scientist.

“I was very surprised to win,” said Lusine, who said she would one day like to conduct research in molecular biology. “I applied for so many grants, but I never thought I’d get this one.”

According to Johnna Doyle, manager of research and development for Duart Laboratories, the company that manufactures the Infusium 23 hair-care products, judges were looking not only for aspiring scientists, but also students who have done a lot of research on their own.

“I distinctly remember Lusine because she had done so much independent research,” said Doyle, one of the judges.

“This is a woman who wants a career in science, and she is working hard for it.”

It was the second year Duart sponsored the contest to encourage females interested in science to pursue scientific careers.

“It’s amazing how few women get into science compared with men,” Doyle said.

Lusine has already done her share of research projects, including a study of the aging process of aspirin to determine its shelf life and math and science projects on the relationship between conductivity and temperature in electrolytes.

She said she has always been interested in science because of the influence of her father, a mathematician.

“He has always showed me that anything’s possible to achieve with science,” she said. “He’s always encouraged me.”

Lusine said the $1,000 will go directly to her college fund.

She has already been accepted to Caltech and USC.