BioGENEius honorees
Two Delaware students earn recognition at BioGENEius Challenge
12:56 p.m., June 29, 2011--“Most alternative fuel sources are only circumstantial solutions to the grave problem facing society. Microbial fuel cells provide an array of options to power our future,” said Achille Tenkiang, a winner of the U.S. National BioGENEius Challenge and finalist in the International BioGENEius Challenge -- both held in Washington, D.C., this past weekend in conjunction with the BIO International Convention.
Tenkiang added, “I’d like to thank the Delaware Biotechnology Institute for giving me an opportunity to share my research with others. It was a tremendous experience to represent my state and school at the national and international competitions. It was really awesome!”
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Tenkiang, a junior at Wilmington Charter School, won the National Challenge for his research on the effects of nitrate concentration on microbial fuel cells. His enthusiasm for biotechnology and the BioGENEius Challenge itself was mirrored in the demeanor of many of the competitors, parents and chaperones over the four-day long event that featured high school student biotechnology research projects from across the country.
Thirty-six students came together to compete in the U.S. National BioGENEius Challenge on June 24, and only 10 advanced to the International BioGENEius Challenge held June 27. Four international students joined that group.
Priyen Patel, a junior from Sussex Technical High School, was chosen as the U.S. National BioGENEius Challenge honorable mention media awardee for his work on the most effective filtration of pharmaceuticals in the water supply, and his ability to communicate science effectively. He participated in a media tour to promote the BioGENEius Challenge and encourage more young scientists to become involved in biotechnology research.
“High school sports may be between seasons, but the competition to cultivate the top minds in science and engineering never stops,” said Gov. Jack Markell. “Achille and Priyen are clearly leading the way forward. They've earned our congratulations, our pride and a place in state's rich legacy of innovation and scientific excellence.”
“We are proud and excited for Achille and Priyen to have this experience with the BioGENEius Challenge,” said Kelvin Lee, director of the Delaware Biotechnology Institute and Gore Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Delaware. “The students worked very hard on their research, prepared well for the competition and deserve this honor.”
“I am proud that these bright young students from Delaware were among the 10 U.S. finalists to compete globally in the BioGENEius Challenge, ” said U.S. Sen. Tom Carper. “The Delaware science community is once again proving the First State is a hub for excellence in the life sciences and biotechnology.”
“Encouraging our students to take an interest in the sciences is imperative to ensuring we train the next generation of innovators who will help the U.S. compete globally. Delawareans should be proud of this year’s International BioGENEius finalists for their outstanding research in biotechnology. I applaud their work and am excited to see their future research endeavors,” said U.S. Sen. Chris Coons.
“Congratulations to Achille and Priyen for their outstanding performance in this year’s National BioGENEius Challenge, ” said U.S. Rep. John Carney. “The skills that they showed today in science, math, and technology are critical to a world-class education, and our nation’s future economic success. I wish Achille and Priyen the best of luck going forward. They are great examples of the creative and innovative young minds that will ensure a bright future for Delaware and the nation.”
At the local, national and international competitions, students are evaluated on the quality of their research and display, as well as on their responses to questions relating to their scientific knowledge and potential commercial applications of their research.
Locally, Delaware BioGENEius Challenge judges selected 13 finalists from 40 competitors between the New Castle County Expo and the Sussex County Science Fair. Delaware Challenge winners included Jaewoong Yoo for "Silence! Environment Affects the Efficiency of VIGS in N. benthamiana"; Achille Tenkiang for "Powering the Future: The Effects of Nitrate Concentration on Microbial Fuel Cells"; Priyen Patel for "The Most Effective Filtration of Pharmaceuticals"; and honorable mention, Bansri Patel for "Degradation of Tricolsan: The Environmental Toxin?" The three Delaware finalists competed in the U.S. National BioGENEius Challenge in Washington, D.C.
“Delaware has made STEM education a priority and emphasizes supportive programs such as the BioGENius Challenge. Extraordinary students such as Achille, Priyen, Jaewoong and Bansri are the future of our important biotechnology community,” said Mike Bowman, chairman and president of Delaware Technology Park, Inc.
"Delaware's students here at the National and International BioGENEius Challenges performed extremely well in the competition illustrating the strength and depth that Delaware has in the life sciences,” said Bob Dayton, president, Delaware BioScience Association. “We thank AstraZeneca, the Delaware Biotechnology Institute and the many volunteers for their support providing this opportunity for our finalists Achille, Jaewoong and Priyen, and all the other Delaware students who competed.”
The Delaware competition was sponsored by AstraZeneca and the Delaware Biotechnology Institute faculty and staff.
DBI will again coordinate the Delaware BioGENEius Challenge in 2012 with help from the Delaware Economic Development Office, local sponsors and the community of life science professionals. Planning will begin in August 2011. For more information about how to participate in the judging, or to enter the competition, contact Laura Crozier at crozier@dbi.udel.edu.