Braden River High Students Gear Up for TSA National Competition

Key Information

• Location: Braden River High, Manatee County, Florida
• Event: National Technology Student Association (TSA) Conference
• Project Theme: Tissue Engineering
• Team Members:
• Chaitanya Kurakula, grade 10
• Miguel Fernandes, grade 9
• Malia Ho, grade 9
• Sheena Kurakula, grade 12
• Matthew Mangin, grade 10
• Hannah Thai, grade 9
• Competition Dates: June 26 – July 1
• Project Focus: Innovative treatment for COPD
• Inspiration: Lizard tail regeneration

MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — A remarkable team of students from Braden River High School recently clinched first place at the state level and is now gearing up for the national stage at the Technology Student Association (TSA) Conference.

Sheena Kurakula, the president of the TSA at Braden River High, emphasizes that teamwork is pivotal to their success. The small group of six students is immersed in developing their project, which focuses on this year’s theme: tissue engineering.

“We’re targeting COPD—chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,” Sheena explains. “The critical issue is that patients may develop emphysema, characterized by tiny microscopic holes in the lungs.”

Sheena and her team found inspiration in nature, stating, “We considered lizards, which can regenerate their tails. Our idea is to create a sealant embedded with tissue engineering particles to help COPD patients regenerate lung tissue.”

The project was initiated in September, and their hard work culminated in winning the state championship in February.

“But here’s the twist—it’s not solely for judges. This project is designed to be presented on a children’s museum board,” Sheena adds.

This victory is not unprecedented for Sheena and her classmates. Reflecting on her past, she shares, “My initial project focused on chemotherapy. I researched cryotherapy as a more effective treatment instead.” With the aid of the TSA program, Sheena and her team have transformed innovative ideas into tangible achievements.

“Without support for STEM initiatives in schools, students like me wouldn’t be able to engage in meaningful projects,” Sheena asserted.

For Sheena, this endeavor holds personal significance. “My father was diagnosed with COPD a few years ago,” she revealed. Yet she remains optimistic, with a clear vision for her team as they anticipate the competition and aim to inspire future generations of students.

The Braden River High team is set to present their innovative project at the National TSA Conference from June 26 to July 1.