Media Contact:
Nalini Padmanabhan
ASHG Communications Manager
301.634.7346
press@ashg.org
For Immediate Release
Friday, December 9, 2016
12:00 pm U.S. Eastern Time
BETHESDA, MD – The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) is pleased to announce Beryl Zhou and Cindy Xu, students at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley in Fremont, Calif., as the first-place winners of its 2016 Teen Genes Video Challenge. Guohang Zhang, of John A. Rowland High School in Rowland Heights, Calif.; Samuel Catania, of Harriton High School in Rosemont, Pa.; and Joan Fernandez, Sergio Augusto Sanchez, and Jose Rodolfo Romain, of Colegio Loyola in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, received honorable mentions.
“It’s exciting to see the level of student interest in genomics, and the quality of their video entries was terrific,” said Michael Dougherty, PhD, Director of Education for ASHG. “ASHG is pleased to provide students this opportunity to creatively explore the impact of genetics on their lives and society.”
Entrants were asked to submit a 3-5 minute video that describes any current application of genetics and explains how it works. After the videos were reviewed for appropriateness, ASHG members were invited to view the entries and use a predetermined set of judging criteria to vote for a winner.
First-place winners Zhou and Xu, whose clay stop-motion video described how CRISPR genome editing works, will share a $1,500 monetary prize. In addition, they will participate in a video chat with Rick Guidotti, an award-winning former fashion photographer and founder of Positive Exposure. Honorable mention recipients will each receive a $150 monetary prize.
For additional details on the contest winners, including the winning videos, see.
About the American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG)
Founded in 1948, the American Society of Human Genetics is the primary professional membership organization for human genetics specialists worldwide. Its nearly 8,000 members include researchers, academicians, clinicians, laboratory practice professionals, genetic counselors, nurses, and others with an interest in human genetics. The Society serves scientists, health professionals, and the public by providing forums to: (1) share research results through the ASHG Annual Meeting and in The American Journal of Human Genetics; (2) advance genetic research by advocating for research support; (3) educate current and future genetics professionals, health care providers, advocates, policymakers, educators, students, and the public about all aspects of human genetics; and (4) promote genetic services and support responsible social and scientific policies. For more information, visit: http://www.ashg.org.
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