Science, piano are passions for impressive teen

Suproteem Sarkar has coauthored two scientific papers on cancer treatments, been a presenter at an international nanoscience conference, and won accolades as a pianist.

But perhaps the most notable entry on his resumé is the birth date - Sarkar is 17, just entering his senior year at Conestoga High School in Berwyn, Chester County.

"He's definitely a highflier here," said Conestoga principal Amy Meisinger. "He's on the fast track for something."

Family members say his precocity was evident almost from the beginning. At age 5 he was accepted at a Franklin Institute summer science camp, said his father, Susanta.

Suproteem Sarkar already was a budding young scientist by middle school and recalled examining a molecular-model kit and musing, " 'What can I make out of this?' "

Eventually he was captivated by nanoparticle research and immersed himself in the subject by "trawling the Internet." After he submitted a proposal for a research paper on biomedical and physiological sensor technology to the International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE), the group picked him as a presenter for its 2013 Defense and Security Symposium.

Sarkar then reached out to Jayant Kumar, a physics professor and director of the Center for Advanced Materials at the University of Massachusetts. Kumar, who was involved in nanoparticle research during the summer of 2013, said that he was hesitant at first to have someone so young join his team of graduate students but that his concerns quickly were alleviated.

"I was pleasantly surprised and very impressed by his understanding of the subject," Kumar said. "He was very equipped to do things on his own. We didn't have to do much hand-holding."

Sarkar would coauthor two academic papers - one of which earned him an invitation to another SPIE conference, last month in San Diego.

At Conestoga, Sarkar has organized a STEM club for science-minded students. In addition, Sarkar is a member of the Kids Caring for Cancer Club and raises money for the Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania cancer center.

Sarkar, who took up fencing at age 9, also has become a pianist of note.

His parents sprang for piano lessons, "and I haven't stopped playing since," Sarkar said. "I think that music is a great way to spread joy and other emotions too."

His piano teacher, Joy Kiszely, said it was clear from the beginning that Sarkar was gifted. She said he was able to "devour repertoire" and within a week learn any piece she gives him.

Last year he was a finalist at an International Concerto Competition, at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall.

Sarkar said he is unsure which college he will attend and what he will major in.

His grades shouldn't be a problem: Meisinger says he's near the top of the class. More significant, she said, is, "He's a great kid."

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