The far-reaching impact biotechnology has on our lives was acknowledged today by the Metropolitan King County Council as members recognized the organizers behind a unique event that brings biotechnology professionals together with students unfamiliar with the science behind it.

“Biotechnology is a field that has gone from science fiction to science fact and this region has played a large role in making that happen,” said Councilmember Jane Hague, the sponsor of the recognition. “The companies behind this growth in our region are reaching out to young people through the Student Biotech Expo to show them that whatever their interest, it will be affected by this area of science. Some of the young people may decide to go that path, but all involved in the expo will leave with a greater understanding of this field.”

The Student Biotech Fair is the only competitive science fair in the Seattle area for high school students. The event, organized by the Washington Biotechnology Foundation and the Northwest Association for Biomedical Research, had over 250 participants. Students were matched with biotechnology professionals and given the opportunity to express their knowledge and feelings about biotechnology using the medium of their choice. The fair allows students to learn about specific areas of science that interest them so they can envision possible careers or extended education in those fields.

Some students write papers, prepare models, shadow professionals in their area of interest, perform musicals, create works of art and perform experiments. Along with the standard models showing the biochemical process in the body, this year’s exhibits included a painting of the political involvement in stem cell research and a musical about synapses and their role in filtering thought process.

“For too many students, ‘science’ has become a bad word,” said Hague. “Jeanne Chowning, the Education Director for the Washington Biotechnology Foundation, has been instrumental in showing students that science is far more than test tubes and equations, and that is the first step in getting young people interested in this emerging field.”