Edmonton Journal, May 2005

Student Places 2nd at Biotech Competition

EDMONTON – A Grade 12 student at Old Scona academic high school won second prize Thursday in a national competition for student biotechnology projects.

Tracy Mah was one of 13 finalists competing in the National Aventis Biotech Challenge. She wins $4,000 for her research into preserving the immune system of organ transplant patients.

Anti-rejection drugs can suppress a patient’s immune system. Mah investigated other ways to prevent organ rejection. Judges were impressed with both her science and the poise with which she presented her findings, said Rick Levick, natoinal co-ordinator for the challenge. Last year’s national winner, Charles Tran, was also from Scona.