While his method worked in theory, Andraka would need access to more advanced lab equipment than was available in his high school biology classroom in order to perform proper testing. Filled with optimism, he drafted a research proposal and sent it to 200 institutions. The response was overwhelming, but not in a good way. In less than a month, Andraka received rejection notices from 199 of the research centers.

But just when it seemed like all hope was lost…Read more…