Twisha Sharma is a student at Valley Christian High School in the United States. She has demonstrated strong academic performance throughout her studies. For example, she received the Highest Honors Award for maintaining a 4.0 GPA in both seventh and eighth grade. She was also recognised as Student of the Month.
In addition to her academic achievements, Twisha has excelled in mathematics competitions. She placed second and fourth at her school in the AMC 8. She also achieved sixth place nationally and fifth statewide in the Math Kangaroo competition during seventh grade. In eighth grade, she placed eighth nationally and seventh statewide.
Twisha’s Research on PAX8 Genetic Variants
At the CCIR Academy, Twisha’s research paper, Collection and Analysis of PAX8 Variants and Their Impact on Protein Function via ClinVar and AlphaMissense, was accepted at the 2026 Butler University Undergraduate Research Conference (URC).
Her research explored how genetic variants in the PAX8 gene may contribute to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Using computational databases and molecular modelling, she analysed 33 genetic variants. The study also identified regions of the PAX8 protein where pathogenic mutations may disrupt normal thyroid function.
About the Butler University Undergraduate Research Conference
Established in 1988, the Butler University Undergraduate Research Conference (URC) encourages undergraduate students to conduct and present original research. Over time, it has grown into an interdisciplinary forum that welcomes undergraduate researchers from institutions beyond Butler University.
The conference primarily provides a platform for undergraduate research. Therefore, Twisha’s acceptance while still in high school is a notable accomplishment.
Congratulations to Twisha on this achievement!
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