Awards

Recognizing Leadership

The future of biotechnology cannot be realized through the raw talent of our best and brightest alone, but through the cultivation of their young talents. This is accomplished by inspired mentors who in turn, inspire. The Institute recognizes outstanding Virginia individuals and institutions each year during the BioGENEius program at the International Biotechnology Conference.

The Virginia BioGENEius Hall of Fame award honors past finalists with a track record of outstanding biotechnology, medicine, or other related careers. We draw upon them to inspire younger generations with their stories or through our BioChampions program.

Hall of Fame Awardees and current activities include:

2023 - not awarded
2022 - not awarded
2021 - not possible due to COVID-19
2020 - Anvita Gupta, Founder, and CEO, AINovo Biotech, Inc.; Founder LITAS For Girls [Winner, 2015]
2019 - Michael Tran Doung, Medical Student at Perelman, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine [Runner Up, 2015]
2018 - Dr. Lecia Brown, Global Clinical Development Scientist, GSK [Finalist, 2006]
2017 - Riley Ennis, Co-Founder, COO at Immudicon; Co-Founder, COO at Freenome; Co-Founder, Oncolinx [Finalist, 2011]
2016 - Johnny Fells, Mentor SEO Scholars, Wealth Management Professional at Goldman Sachs [Runner Up, 2009]
2015 - Tess Michaels, Founder & CEO SOCENIA; CEO, Stride Funding [4th place, 2007)

The BioGENEius Mentor Award honors a Virginia STEM teacher or other significant influencer in the participating communities that serve the Virginia BioGENEius program. Mentors deserve special recognition for the personal time and effort they willingly dedicate to advancing our next-gen innovators' aspirations.

Past Virginia BioGENEius Mentor Awardees include:

2023 - not awarded
2022 - Dr. Bijean Ford, Head Instructor, BioDiversity, Arlington
2021 - not possible due to COVID-19
2020 - not possible due to COVID-19
2019 - Dr. Cristobal Carambo, Westlake High School for Girls, Bristol
2018 - Cara Pekarcik, North Mechanicsville High School, Mechanicsville
2017 - Paul Starodub, Westfield High School, Chantilly
2016 - Marc Pedersen, TJHSST, Annandale
2015 - Donna E. Leonardi, Mountain Vista Governor's School, Warrenton

The Virginia BioSTEM Leader Award honors outstanding Grade 9-12 schools for their promotion and support of STEM with a strong focus on the life sciences. The best of teachers cannot accomplish their goals without a strong supportive educational infrastructure. These schools have designed model programs to form just such an environment for their students.

Past Virginia BioSTEM Leader Awardees include:

2023 - not awarded
2022 - not awarded
2021 - not possible due to COVID-19
2020 - not possible due to COVID-19
2019 - TJHSST, Annandale
2018 - Mountain Vista Governor's School, Warrenton
2017 - TJHSST, Annandale
2016 - TJHSST, Annandale
2015 - Langley High School, McLean

HOW TO NOMINATE

Anyone can nominate a candidate from Virginia for each of these three awards.

To make a nomination, please provide the following:

1.  Your name and contact information (address, email, phone)

2.  Individual or School nominee (name, address, nominee point of contact, and contact information)

3.  In 250 words or less, describe

  • Why the nominee stands out in the general field of STEM education and programs in life sciences/biotechnology in particular,
  • 2-3 specific examples (programs, community activities, etc.) of how they lead in this effort, and
  • Professional and personal attributes of the individual (Hall of Fame), leadership as a mentor (BioGENEius Mentor), or the school and staff that qualify them as a leader in STEM and biosciences education (bio stem Leader).

4.  Any awards the nominee has received in the past 3-5 years

5.  Two supporting references (inclusion of their letters of support are desirable)

6.  A statement as to the nominee's availability to be in the venue city during the dates of the International Biotechnology Conference and what if any constraints they might face to do so.

HOW TO SUBMIT

  • Submit items 1-6 as a single document (PDF preferred)
  • Email as an attachment to info@vabiotechinstitute.org with the subject line: "BioGENEius Hall of Fame Nominee", "BioGENEius Mentor Nominee" or "BioSTEM Leader Nominee" Application (year)