At 17-years-old, Janelle Tam has discovered that cellulose, a material found in trees that helps them stand up straight, is an antioxidant with potent anti-aging properties. Janelle’s study of minute particles in tree pulp known as nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) led to an “a-ha”! moment for the young innovator — she had unearthed a super-durable material that had the power to fight disease and prevent aging. This unbelievable discovery won Janelle the 2012 Sanofi BioGENEius Challenge Canada, a national competition for young scientists.

Janelle is a recent graduate from Princeton University.