IMSA Junior Named Finalist in International Biotechnology Competition
For Immediate Release, Press Release
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AURORA – Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) junior Sushma Kola of Aurora is a finalist in the 2008 sanofi-aventis International BioGENEius Challenge, an annual competition for high school students who demonstrate an exemplary understanding of biotechnology through science research projects.
Kola’s research “Aquaporin-1 Expression in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer” qualified for the international competition after winning the Midwestern Regional BioGENEius Challenge. The international competition will be held June 16-18, 2008, at the BIO International Convention in San Diego.
Kola’s research was conducted through the IMSA Student Inquiry and Research (SIR) program, which enables students to pursue compelling questions of interest, conduct and present findings of original research, engage in entrepreneurial applied science and technology activities, and collaborate with other students, mentors, scholars, researchers and inventors throughout the world. Her research was conducted with advisor Dr. Anjana Yeldani, Residency Program Director in the Department of Pathology at
Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
IMSA President Dr. Max McGee said Kola’s research work into possible treatment for lung cancer represents the Academy’s mission of igniting and nurturing creative ethical minds that advance the human condition.
“We are proud that IMSA’s Student Inquiry and Research program enables remarkable students such as Sushma to pursue solutions to problems that challenge our global community,” McGee said. “IMSA’s young investigators are proving that they can make significant contributions to society before they even enter college.”
Allan Jarvis, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development, sanofi pasteur, said that supporting students today is an investment in the “promise” of biotechnology in the future.
“We in the sanofi-aventis Group firmly believe that tomorrow’s discoveries are dependent upon the development of scientists today,” said Jarvis. “Supporting young scientists is one of the best investments a company can make to realize the promise of biotechnology in solving today’s health, food and environmental challenges.”
In the BioGENEius Challenge, students are not only evaluated on the quality of their research and display, but also on their responses to questions relating to their scientific knowledge and potential commercial applications of their research. At the international competition, $7,500 will be awarded to the 1st place winner; $5,000 for 2nd place; $2,500 for 3rd place and $1,000 for 4th place. Prizes will be awarded June 18 at a BIO International Convention luncheon in front of more than 2,500 biotechnology leaders. Competitors also will display their research for an estimated 20,000 attendees.
Sanofi-aventis, one of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies, has supported the BioGENEius Challenge since its inception in 1994. Additional support for the BioGENEius Challenge is provided by National Sponsor Sangamo BioSciences.
The internationally recognized Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy® (IMSA) develops creative, ethical leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. As a teaching and learning laboratory created by the State of Illinois, IMSA enrolls academically talented Illinois students (grades 10-12) in its advanced, residential college preparatory program. It also serves thousands of educators and students in Illinois and beyond through innovative instructional programs that foster imagination and inquiry. (www.imsa.edu)