High School Students Worldwide Consider the Role of Artificial Intelligence in Genetic Testing
For Immediate Release: Friday, April 25, 2025, 12:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern Time
Media Contact: Kara Flynn, (202) 257-8424, press@ashg.org
ROCKVILLE, MD –The American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG) today announced the winners of its 2025 DNA Day Essay Contest. ASHG awarded first place to Ethan Poh at Jumeirah English Speaking School, Arabian Ranches, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates; second place to Alex Mi at Carmel High School, in Carmel, Indiana; and third place to Dharahaas Nalla at Smithtown High School East, in St. James, New York.
Over 1,200 essays were submitted from 45 U.S. states and territories and 59 countries. ASHG members – human genetics and genomics professionals – evaluated essays for accuracy, creativity, and writing through three rounds of review. The Society has hosted the contest annually to invite the next generation of genetics professionals to explore their curiosity and communication skills in science. This year, students weighed the risks and benefits of using artificial intelligence (AI) in genetic testing.
National DNA Day, celebrated annually on April 25, commemorates the discovery of DNA’s double helix structure in 1953 and the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003, two key milestones in genetics.
ASHG will award monetary prizes to winning students as well as grants for genetics laboratory equipment to eligible teachers. Poh will receive a $1,000 prize. Mi will receive a $600 prize. Nalla will receive a $400 prize.
Honorable mentions were awarded to 10 students, each of whom will receive a $100 monetary prize. The recipients of honorable mentions, listed alphabetically by last name, are:
- Sailesh Vijayaragavan Badri at William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute, in Toronto, Canada
- Jai Elangovan at Merchant Taylor’s School, in Northwood, United Kingdom
- Ethan Greenblatt at Hunter College High School, in New York, New York
- Anna Hsu at Bronx High School of Science, in Bronx, New York
- Miray Karsidag at Canyon Crest Academy, in San Diego, California
- Chaewon Kim at North Hollywood High School Highly Gifted Magnet, in Los Angeles, California
- Duru Öztürk at FMV Ispartakule Isik Highschool, in Avcılar, Turkey
- Moosa Saeed at Lahore Grammar School for Boys, in Lahore, Pakistan
- Avijay Sen at Franklin High School, in Elk Grove, California
- Joshua Wang at William Lyon Mackenzie Collegiate Institute, in Toronto, Canada
For details on the 2025 contest winners, visit the results page. For more genetics and genomics learning materials, visit ASHG’s informational website, Discover Genetics.
* * *
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 community of 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 and Human Genetics and Genomics Advances; (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.
6120 Executive Blvd, Suite 500 | Rockville, MD 20852 | 301.634.7300 | society@ashg.org | www.ashg.org
Connect with ASHG on BlueSky (@geneticssociety.bsky.social) | X (@GeneticsSociety) | Facebook | LinkedIn