CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The iBIO Institute’s EDUCATE Center named Oak Park River Forest High School Senior Olivia Lenzo of Oak Park, IL as the winner of the 2015 Illinois BioGENEius Challenge, the premier competition for high school students that recognizes outstanding research and innovation in the biotechnology field.
As Illinois’ BioGENEius finalist, Ms. Lenzo will attend the 2015 BIO International Convention in Philadelphia next week where she will engage with leading companies, scientists and innovators currently transforming the scientific landscape in order to gain invaluable insights into an industry making significant contributions to the world.
While in Philadelphia, Ms. Lenzo will compete against students from the U.S. in the National BioGENEius Challenge, and if Ms. Lenzo progresses to the next round, will also compete against students from Canada and Germany in the International BioGENEius Challenge. The projects presented will represent a range of biotechnology topics such as healthcare, agriculture, and the environment.
“The Challenge highlights the breakthroughs made when we invest and encourage our younger generations to pursue their ideas. These students are facing the world’s greatest problems head on and providing solutions to heal, feed, and fuel people and the environment,” said Warren Ribley, iBIO Institute’s President and CEO. “iBIO Institute is excited to cheer Olivia Lenzo on in Philadelphia at the 2015 BIO International Convention as we already know that her research has great potential to help society as well as inspire others to pursue research projects.”
“Our mission is to give these student innovators an exciting and engaging environment to showcase their talents and help accelerate their development as the next-generation of scientists. The BioGENEius Challenges encourage students to apply their scientific knowledge to solve some of society’s most pressing issues through biotechnology, allowing them to see the tremendous potential they have to make change in the world,” said Dr. Lawrence Mahan, President of Biotechnology Institute. “We bring students and industry leaders together to encourage the next generation of biotechnology innovators.”
Ms. Lenzo’s project was selected because her research focuses on bioengineering a new plant-based treatment to prevent post-operative infection after joint replacements. Ms. Lenzo commented, “I feel incredibly lucky just having had the opportunity to dive so deeply into the scientific research process, especially when I believe the outcome of my research has true potential to effect some positive change. I am ecstatic to be able to share my findings with others at the BIO International Convention.”
Three first place winners in the categories of healthcare, sustainability and the environment will be named during a luncheon at the 2015 BIO International Convention featuring Tom Brokaw. The winners will receive a $7,500 cash prize.
Follow the BioGENEius Challenge: Throughout the challenge, @BiotechInstitut will be tweeting interviews, photos, and engaging with the biotechnology community by using the hashtag #BioGENEius.
About the Biotechnology Institute
The Biotechnology Institute is an independent, national nonprofit organization dedicated to education about the present and future impact of biotechnology. Its mission is to engage, excite and educate the public, particularly students and teachers, about biotechnology and its immense potential for solving human health, food and environmental problems. For more information, visit www.biotechinstitute.org.
About iBIO Institute EDUCATE Center
The iBIO Institute is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that focuses on orchestrating business leadership in delivery of world-class, educational programs and job-creating new technology ventures. The Institute’s EDUCATE Center delivers industry-led science and math programs for teachers and students, thereby inspiring the next generation of innovators and helping restore America’s leadership in technology education. EDUCATE’s hands-on, inquiry-based STEM programs have impacted over 900 teachers and 70,000 Illinois students since 2003.
