JFK Biology Competes at UC Berkeley’s Bioengineering Competition

Photo by Aarna Gupta

` In Kennedy, students participated in the bioengineering high school competition at UC Berkeley with a research prompt and with a mentor. They were graded on how well the information was presented, and how innovative their work is. Students sign up and pay for the competition, and meet with their mentors on Zoom every week for 1-2 hours. They spend 3-4 hours with their group members to create the presentation board, which is graded.

Each group’s objective is to create a hypothetical solution to a medical or biological problem over the span of a few weeks. One of the students, Surya Shanmugam (11), explained that there are two pitches: the industry and academic pitch. The industry pitch was about the market and logistics, while the academic was more on the biological principles of the solution. 

Shanmugam’s group was trying to work on a prediction model that detects kidney disease early, and she enjoyed working with her mentor, Stanley, and appreciated other group members for their effort. Even though their presentation did not get first place, they had perfect attendance for all the workshops, and the BIOHSC rewarded them with keychains.

Another group that participated in the competition focused on a different topic. Ian Luong (11) explained,” Our project topic was based on digital eye strain, trying to design something that would act as a preventative measure  to stop digital eye strain from worsening and help maintain ocular health as technology continues to rapidly advance.”

Both groups presented at different locations, so they had different schedules. Other than the competition itself, students are allowed to walk around UC Berkeley and enjoy the food and drinks that surround the college. On the day of the Symposium or the presentation, all the participants had other activities scheduled at different times.

Luong elaborated, “The schedule was very packed. The activities that we did were pretty fun, with the workshop and lab tour.”

Unfortunately, their lunch time was cut short due to their academic presentation time. High schools around the Bay Area participated in the competition, and on Symposium day, everyone gathered and made friends.

Shanmugam shared, “I think, even if you don’t have a lot of experience, it was really informative and an easy starter project.” The biology club will be advertising it next year, so please join!

Photo by Surya Shanmugan