Photo of the Day: A Scientist in Our Midst

Diabetes research is important for Shubha Raghvendra. It affects her family.

According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes affects 25.8 million children and adults in the United States. That's 8.3 percent of the population.

For this reason, the 17-year-old Senior has began to research the subject and has earned wins at the State Science Fair and Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

"She's applying for colleges now," said , who recognized the future scientist during the City Council session on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at . "I can't imagine any university not grabbing her up immediately."

Raghvendra's research looked at the effects that diabetes has on a certain type of stem cells called mesenchymal stem cells. She found that diabetes does compromise properties of these stem cells, for example, their ability to reproduce.

"She's an excellent ambassador for Mountain View," Siegel said.