Best in Manitoba – Dennis Drewnik wins a Silver Medal at National Science Fair
Dennis Drewnik, a grade 11 student at Sisler High School took home a Silver Medal at the Canada Wide Science Fair, held in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Drewnik was the highest-ranking student from Manitoba out of 27 participants.
Dennis has been working in the lab of Dr. Mark Belmonte, and this past year has also received mentorship support from Ian Girard, a Master of Science graduate student, in the department of biological sciences.
Drewnik has been a participant in local and provincial science fairs for four years focusing on finding solutions to real world problem facing canola growers on the Canadian prairies and around the globe.
Dennis’s interest in plant molecular biology and bioinformatics has led to the identification of novel plant defense response genes that hold the promise of protecting canola from devastating fungal pathogens that cause millions of dollars in damage to the Canadian economy each year.
“Dennis is a rising star and I’m honoured to have him in the lab,” exclaimed Belmonte.
As a Silver Medal winner, Drewnik is eligible for $12,000 in scholarships from universities across Canada. Including $2500 from Dalhousie University Faculty of Science; $2000 from the University of British Columbia, $2000 from the University of Ottawa, $2000 from Western University, and $2500 from the University of New Brunswick.
In addition, later this week, Drewnik, will compete at the National Sanofi Biogenius Challenge, (SBC), in Ottawa. One of the country’s most prestigious student competitions, Sanofi Biogenius Canada pairs exceptional young scientists with academic mentors to pursue real-world research projects, and participants have produced many promising scientific breakthroughs. Drewnik is featured on the Sanofi Biogenius facebook page. You can support Drewnik, please share, favourite, tweet and retweet. Good luck Dennis! #SBC2015.
About the Sanofi Biogenius Challenge
Sanofi Biogenius Canada is a national science research competition open to high school students, which since 1992, has helped almost 4,000 young Canadians pursue real-world scientific research projects that have been the launch pads to future studies and careers. Coordinated by Partners In Research, the initiative is sponsored by Sanofi Pasteur Limited, Sanofi Canada, the Ontario Government (Ministry of Research & Innovation), York University, the National Research Council Canada/Conseil national de recherches Canada (NRC-CNRC), Canadian Institutes of Health Research/Instituts de recherche en santé du Canada (CIHR-IRSC) and Genome Canada.
About the Canada Wide Science Fair
The Canada Wide Science Fair attracts 500 of the nation’s brightest young minds and offers an amazing exploration into science, technology, engineering and math. Young scientists showcase real-world solutions to some of the globe’s most pressing issues, and at the same time compete for nearly $1 million in awards. The Fair is operated by Youth Science Canada, which for 50 years has been Canada’s leading organization for the promotion of innovation and celebration of excellence in science, engineering and technology among our Canada’s youth.