Middle-Schooler Finds Goose Poop That Has Canc*r-Fighting Compound. “My Mom, Auntie and Grandma Have All Had Canc*r, so It Makes Me Happy That Something I Found Could Help,” Said Camarria Williams.

What if the next big breakthrough in cancer research was hiding in plain sight—somewhere no one would think to look? That’s exactly what happened when 13-year-old Camarria Williams scooped up a sa

What if the next big breakthrough in cancer research was hiding in plain sight—somewhere no one would think to look? That’s exactly what happened when 13-year-old Camarria Williams scooped up a sample of goose droppings from a neighborhood park. What started as a simple STEM project turned into a remarkable scientific discovery that stunned researchers.

Inside her sample, scientists uncovered a previously unknown compound—one that showed potential in slowing the growth of cancer cells. It wasn’t what Williams set out to find, but her curiosity led her to something far more significant than anyone could have predicted.

How did a middle schooler’s random find lead to a discovery that even seasoned researchers hadn’t made? The answer lies in the power of scientific curiosity—and the unexpected places it can lead.

A Middle-Schooler’s Accidental Discovery Could Help Fight Cancer

At just 13 years old, Camarria Williams made a discovery that could impact cancer research—hidden in an unlikely source: goose droppings.

Williams, an eighth-grader at William H. Brown STEM Magnet School in Chicago, participated in a 14-week STEM outreach program at the Chicago Antibiotic Discovery Lab. Tasked with collecting natural samples to search for antibiotics, she picked up goose droppings from a neighborhood park and brought them to the lab for analysis.

Her sample contained Pseudomonas idahoensis, a bacterium that, while not producing antibiotics, led to a surprising discovery—a previously unknown compound called orfamide N. Under the microscope, researchers found that orfamide N was toxic to skin and ovarian cancer cells, slowing their growth. Scientists at the University of Illinois Chicago verified the compound’s effects, adding valuable insight into cancer research.

Although this doesn’t mean an immediate cure, experts emphasize its significance in expanding scientific understanding. “What we’re really trying to do is show young students that there are a lot of real-world applications of science,” said Dr. Brian Murphy, a pharmaceutical sciences researcher at the University of Illinois Chicago.

Williams, whose mother, aunt, and grandmother have battled cancer, found personal meaning in the discovery. “It makes me happy that something I found could help,” she said. Her enthusiasm for science is already making an impact—her name appears as a co-author in the team’s published study in the American Chemical Society’s Omega Journal.

Reflecting on the experience, she shared with The Washington Post, “I did something, and it worked. It feels good.” Now, she has her sights set on the future: “I want to be a scientist.”

 

How a STEM Program Led to a Groundbreaking Discovery

Camarria Williams’ discovery was made possible through the Chicago Antibiotic Discovery Lab, a STEM outreach program in partnership with the Boys & Girls Club. The 14-week project introduced middle school students to real-world research, tasking them with collecting environmental samples to search for new antibiotics.

Williams and her peers examined their samples under microscopes, assisted by a $200,000 research robot from the University of Illinois Chicago’s Institute for Tuberculosis Research. The robot helped catalog and track bacteria with potential medical applications.

A Discovery Sparked by Curiosity

Williams was drawn to the program’s hands-on approach. “We walked around and they had these chemicals, and they were working on something. It was just fun,” she told the Chicago Tribune. When she found goose droppings in a park, she collected them, following safety procedures. Her sample contained Pseudomonas idahoensis, a bacterium that led to the discovery of Orfamide N, a previously unknown compound.

Advancing the Research

Her findings were further analyzed by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago. Jin Yi Tan, a doctoral student in Dr. Brian Murphy’s lab, explained: “For Camarria, she prioritized the bacteria with antibiotic properties. So I followed up on the strains that she prioritized, which is where in the lab I would grow it up and purify the compounds and then do some further testing. And that’s where we found this new compound that had some cytotoxic activity against cancer cell lines.” Through this process, the team found that orfamide N had cytotoxic effects on cancer cells, a discovery that could contribute to future drug development.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists

Dr. Murphy sees this as proof of the power of STEM education. “We want to light a spark inside of them, get them to care about their education, and maybe even be the launching point for the next generation of biomedical researchers,” he said.

For Williams, the experience confirmed her passion. Now a published scientist, she hopes to make more discoveries in the future. “I just want to go out and find stuff and see what it can do,” she said.

The Significance of Orfamide N in Cancer Research

Camarria Williams’ discovery of orfamide N contributes to the ongoing search for natural compounds with cancer-fighting potential. While the compound does not have antibiotic properties, researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago found it slowed the growth of human skin and ovarian cancer cells. This suggests a possible role in future cancer treatments, though further study is needed.

Natural Compounds in Cancer Treatment

Many cancer drugs originate from natural sources. Some notable examples include:

 
  • Paclitaxel (Taxol) – Extracted from Pacific yew tree bark, used to treat breast, ovarian, and lung cancers.
  • Vincristine and Vinblastine – Derived from the Madagascar periwinkle plant, used for leukemia and lymphoma.
  • Actinomycin D – A bacterial-derived chemotherapy drug used for decades.

Like these discoveries, orfamide N broadens scientists’ understanding of how natural compounds interact with cancer cells. While it is not a treatment, its identification underscores the importance of studying nature for medical advancements.

Dr. Brian Murphy, who oversaw the research program, emphasized that Williams’ finding highlights why early STEM education matters. Programs like the Chicago Antibiotic Discovery Lab not only introduce young scientists to research but also contribute to real-world discoveries.

The Impact of STEM Programs on Future Scientific Discoveries

STEM education programs play a crucial role in developing the next generation of scientists and innovators. By providing hands-on learning experiences, these programs bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students.

Inclusive STEM initiatives not only enhance individual learning outcomes but also contribute to a more diverse and innovative workforce. Research indicates that such programs can increase students’ sense of belonging and identity within the scientific community, leading to higher engagement and persistence in STEM fields. Moreover, diversity-focused STEM intervention programs have been shown to effectively support underrepresented groups, promoting equity within the scientific community.

By investing in and expanding these programs, we can inspire a new generation of scientists, ensuring continued innovation and progress in various fields.

Simple Ways to Spark Curiosity and Scientific Thinking in Everyday Life

You don’t need a lab or a formal STEM program to start thinking like a scientist. Here are practical ways anyone can nurture curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for discovery—whether for yourself, your kids, or someone you mentor.

Ask More “Why” and “How” Questions

Encourage curiosity by questioning the world around you. Why do leaves change color? How does Wi-Fi work? Why do we yawn? Instead of settling for “I don’t know,” take a few minutes to look it up together—curiosity grows when we seek answers.

Try Fun DIY Science at Home

Science isn’t just for labs—it’s in the kitchen, the backyard, and even your morning coffee. Try simple experiments like:

  • Making a volcano with baking soda and vinegar.
  • Growing a bean plant in a glass jar to watch the roots form.
  • Testing which objects float or sink in water (and learning why).

Hands-on activities help kids and adults see science in action.

Explore Nature Like a Scientist

Take a closer look at the everyday world. Go for a walk and notice insects, trees, or even the sky. Why do certain birds come out at different times? What patterns do you see in the clouds? Observing nature teaches patience and attention to detail—two essential scientific skills.

Use Everyday Tech to Learn Something New

Turn screen time into learning time with apps and websites that make science fun:

  • Google Lens – Identify plants, insects, and objects instantly.
  • SkyView – Point your phone at the sky to learn about constellations and planets.
  • YouTube Channels like Veritasium, SciShow, or Smarter Every Day explain science in engaging ways.

Experiment in the Kitchen

Cooking is chemistry in disguise! Try fun challenges like:

  • Baking without a key ingredient (What happens if you skip baking powder?)
  • Melting different types of chocolate to see which one softens fastest.
  • Making homemade ice cream using salt and ice to lower the freezing point.

These little experiments make learning practical, fun, and delicious!

Read and Watch More Science Stories

Real-life discoveries—like Camarria Williams’—are happening all the time. Follow sites like National Geographic, NASA, or Science Daily for easy-to-understand science news. Watching documentaries like “The Magic of Reality” by Richard Dawkins or Netflix’s “Explained” series can also make science feel more approachable.

 

Let Mistakes Happen

Science is all about trial and error. If an experiment “fails” or you can’t find an answer, that’s part of the process! Thomas Edison once said, “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” Encourage problem-solving instead of just getting the “right” answer.

Science Starts with Curiosity

Camarria Williams’ discovery is a reminder that scientific breakthroughs often come from unexpected places. From Alexander Fleming’s accidental discovery of penicillin to Percy Spencer stumbling upon microwave technology, history has shown that curiosity leads to innovation. While orfamide N isn’t a cure, it expands scientific understanding—just as countless small discoveries have paved the way for medical advancements.

 

Science isn’t just for professionals in labs; it’s for anyone willing to observe, question, and explore. Whether through STEM programs or everyday curiosity, the next breakthrough could come from the most unlikely place. Williams’ journey proves one thing: real discovery begins with simply looking closer.

Featured Image from Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago on Facebook