Aashritha Penumudi
Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Alexandria, VA
Understanding the Structural Basis of Ribosome Stalling by Cellular Arresting Peptides
Aashritha Penumudi, 17, of Herndon, studied ribosome stalling, a cellular process linked to cancer, for her Regeneron Science Talent Search biochemistry project.
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Ribosomes are cellular components that make proteins. When they stall, they slow down, reducing how much of the protein is made. This process regulates polyamines, small molecules that help cells grow but can promote cancer at high levels. Aashritha created stalled ribosomes, then worked with her mentor to image them with an advanced microscope. The images showed that certain amino acids cause ribosome stalling.
Aashritha also trained an AI model, using public data from breast cancer cells, to predict which amino acids were linked to ribosome stalling — the results matched her imaging findings. Her research suggests new ways to control polyamines and treat cancer.
Aashritha, the child of Anil Perumudi and Saritha Ventrapragada, attends Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (Alexandria). She leads her school’s Technology Student Association, neuroscience and biology clubs. She also serves as an EMT for the Warrenton Volunteer Fire Company.
Beyond the Project
Aashritha is president of her school’s Technology Student Association. Under her leadership, the club was the top-performing chapter in the state.
FUN FACTS: Aashritha volunteers with the Centreville Immigration Forum. She helps organize free cancer screenings and co-launched classes where members can practice conversational English.
