AP Research

Overview

In my junior Year, for my AP Research project, I focused on Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT), a minimally invasive surgical technique used in neurosurgical oncology. Inspired by my summer 2024 shadowing experience with neurosurgeon Dr. Bina at Banner University Medical Center, the teaching hospital of the University of Arizona College of Medicine, I explored the benefits of LITT compared to traditional open brain surgery. My work emphasized patient recovery times, reduced complications, and surgical precision. I reviewed current literature and clinical outcomes to understand how LITT is transforming treatment options for brain tumor patients. As part of this research, I also outlined the key steps involved in applying LITT for epilepsy treatment, providing a clear overview of the procedure and its potential benefits. This project culminated in a peer-reviewed article titled “Precision Without the Scalpel: Evaluating the Promise of Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy in Advancing Modern Neurosurgery Over Traditional Open Procedures,” which was submitted as my AP Research final paper and published in the International Journal of Medical Science (IJMS).

Click the image above to download my peer-reviewed paper published in the International Journal of Medical Science (IJMS)

Personal importance of this work

This project allowed me to explore a cutting-edge medical technology that combines my interests in medicine, technology, and patient care, as well as my long-term passion for becoming a neurosurgeon. Researching LITT deepened my understanding of how innovation in surgical techniques can improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Writing and publishing a peer-reviewed article under the mentorship of Dr. Bina and my AP Research teacher, Ms. Anderson, taught me the importance of rigorous scientific communication and gave me firsthand experience contributing to the medical community. This experience has inspired me to continue pursuing research that bridges technology and healthcare.