Evan Neal Mirts

MISSOURI

Evan Neal Mirts, 18, of Jefferson City, observed changes in volume and surface area of spinach chloroplasts using a scanning ion conductance microscope (SICM) for his Intel Science Talent Search biochemistry project. Chloroplasts, key components in photosynthesis, have been observed in vitro to undergo reversible morphological changes - either volume shrinkage or swelling. When conventional analytical techniques are used to study chloroplasts, they are destroyed, thus preventing the ability to directly measure any reversible light-induced changes. But by using SICM, possible cellular reversibility can be non-destructively studied. Evan's results suggest that light-induced changes in the shape and surface area of chloroplasts result from supporting surface orientation rather than volume changes. His research promotes the future possibility of using SICMs as key tools for measuring submicron cellular structural changes. At Jefferson City High School, Evan plays violin in the school orchestra. He has been awarded for his achievement in Latin and practices Tae Kwon Do. The son of Gary and Linda Mirts, he hopes to attend Washington or Truman State Universities.