Boylston senior headed to Philadelphia for international science competition
May 27, 2015 (Cambridge, MA) — Evan Solomonides, a senior at the Massachusetts Academy of Math & Science in Worcester has won the 2015 Massachusetts BioGENEius Challenge, and will go on to represent Massachusetts at an international science fair competition in Philadelphia.
Solomonides, of Boylston, will compete against students from across the U.S. in the National BioGENEius Challenge, and if he 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 young scientist earned his spot through a competitive process based on cutting-edge research he prepared for the Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF), which took place in May at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
For his project, Solomonides’ engineered a sustainable bioplastic to provide an alternative for insulation without the negative environmental effects or production complexity of petroleum-based products.
Solomonides’ created the bioplastic using amylose and amylopectin from potato starch (Solanum tuberosum), glycerin, and acetic acid, all of which are inexpensive and widely available. After extensive testing, the biologically derived polymer shows tremendous potential as a sustainable insulation, and suggests a possible use in industrial and environmental applications.
“I am incredibly excited and honored to have won this award, and to be competing in the BioGENEius Challenge. I started this project because I wanted there to be a little less pollution in the world, and inventing a biomaterial seemed a very interesting way to do it. I have had an incredible amount of fun through this whole process, and have succeeded in creating an eco-friendly alternative to what are horrible pollutants. This won't save the world, but it's a step in the right direction,” Solomonides said.
“We are blown away by the potential Evan’s research has to revolutionize sustainable building practices using biotechnology techniques,” said Robert K. Coughlin, President & CEO of MassBio, the local partner of the Challenge. “We are proud that Evan will represent Massachusetts in Philadelphia and will be rooting him on as he competes and presents his impressive, important research.”
The BioGENEius Challenge takes place in conjunction with the 2015 BIO International Convention, the largest biotech industry conference in the world.
“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.”
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.
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About MassBio
www.massbio.org
MassBio, a not-for-profit organization that represents and provides services and support for the Massachusetts biotechnology industry, is the nation's oldest biotechnology trade association. Founded in 1985, MassBio is committed to advancing the development of critical new science, technology and medicines that benefit people worldwide. Representing more than 650 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, research hospitals, and service organizations involved in life sciences and health care, MassBio works to advance policy and promote education, while providing member programs and events, industry information, and services.
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May 27, 2015 (Cambridge, MA) — Evan Solomonides, a senior at the Massachusetts Academy of Math & Science in Worcester has won the 2015 Massachusetts BioGENEius Challenge, and will go on to represent Massachusetts at an international science fair competition in Philadelphia.
Solomonides, of Boylston, will compete against students from across the U.S. in the National BioGENEius Challenge, and if he 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 young scientist earned his spot through a competitive process based on cutting-edge research he prepared for the Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF), which took place in May at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
For his project, Solomonides’ engineered a sustainable bioplastic to provide an alternative for insulation without the negative environmental effects or production complexity of petroleum-based products.
Solomonides’ created the bioplastic using amylose and amylopectin from potato starch (Solanum tuberosum), glycerin, and acetic acid, all of which are inexpensive and widely available. After extensive testing, the biologically derived polymer shows tremendous potential as a sustainable insulation, and suggests a possible use in industrial and environmental applications.
“I am incredibly excited and honored to have won this award, and to be competing in the BioGENEius Challenge. I started this project because I wanted there to be a little less pollution in the world, and inventing a biomaterial seemed a very interesting way to do it. I have had an incredible amount of fun through this whole process, and have succeeded in creating an eco-friendly alternative to what are horrible pollutants. This won't save the world, but it's a step in the right direction,” Solomonides said.
“We are blown away by the potential Evan’s research has to revolutionize sustainable building practices using biotechnology techniques,” said Robert K. Coughlin, President & CEO of MassBio, the local partner of the Challenge. “We are proud that Evan will represent Massachusetts in Philadelphia and will be rooting him on as he competes and presents his impressive, important research.”
The BioGENEius Challenge takes place in conjunction with the 2015 BIO International Convention, the largest biotech industry conference in the world.
“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.”
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.
###
About MassBio
www.massbio.org
MassBio, a not-for-profit organization that represents and provides services and support for the Massachusetts biotechnology industry, is the nation's oldest biotechnology trade association. Founded in 1985, MassBio is committed to advancing the development of critical new science, technology and medicines that benefit people worldwide. Representing more than 650 biotechnology companies, academic institutions, research hospitals, and service organizations involved in life sciences and health care, MassBio works to advance policy and promote education, while providing member programs and events, industry information, and services.
Help employers find you! Check out all the jobs and post your resume.
