Wesley Chapel-Area Teen Uses AI to Reimagine Tarantula Venom as an Anxiety Treatment — and Just Won the Florida Invention Convention

Most high school seniors are winding down as graduation approaches. Daniel Park, an 18-year-old finishing his final year at King High School in Tampa, is heading to a national science competition — after winning first place at the Florida Invention Convention for research that explores using artificial intelligence to engineer tarantula venom into a potential treatment for anxiety disorders.

The concept is unconventional. The science behind it is serious.

Starting With a Real Problem

Park's project grew out of a genuine concern about mental health — a crisis that affects millions of Americans, including many young people in his own circle. Seeking a novel approach, he zeroed in on the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for processing fear and emotional responses. Existing scientific literature showed that certain compounds found in spider venom naturally interact with receptors in that region of the brain, making tarantulas an unlikely but scientifically grounded starting point for his research.

The idea of deriving medicine from venom isn't new — researchers have long used compounds from snakes, cone snails, and other venomous creatures to develop treatments for pain, heart disease, and other conditions. Park built on that foundation and took it in a new direction.

Using AI to Engineer a Solution

Rather than working in a traditional wet lab with live animals, Park took a fully computational approach to his research. Using artificial intelligence tools and molecular simulation software, he digitally altered the protein structure of tarantula venom — working to isolate and remove the toxic components while preserving the molecular properties that could interact productively with brain receptors.

The simulations then allowed him to test how effectively his engineered protein would bind to its intended target in the brain, and whether it would remain stable long enough to potentially have a therapeutic effect. The results were promising enough to earn him the top prize at one of Florida's most competitive student invention showcases.

From Wesley Chapel to the National Stage

Park took first place in the senior division at the Florida Invention Convention and will now travel to Michigan next month to represent Florida at the national competition. It's a remarkable achievement — but not his first. Two years ago, Park earned international recognition for separate research on using bacteria to remove pollutants from drinking water, a project that also drew widespread media attention.

This fall, he'll begin studies at Brown University, where he plans to move his computational research into an actual laboratory setting and eventually work toward clinical testing of the protein he's designed.

Why This Story Matters Locally

Daniel Park came up through Pasco County schools, identified a problem that affects real people in his community, and used cutting-edge technology to pursue a solution that could one day have broad medical applications. His story is a powerful example of what's possible when young people are given the tools, encouragement, and curiosity to think beyond the classroom.

As he heads to nationals in June, the Wesley Chapel community has every reason to be proud.