Congratulations to our winners and thank you all for participating. Happy DNA Day!
Thank you for making this another successful year! We received many submissions from students in 43 U.S. states and 22 non-US countries, including Ukraine, Kazakhstan, and Saudi Arabia. We would also like to thank the ASHG members who participated in judging the essays!
2018 Question
Traditionally, genetic testing for diagnosis or risk of disease has been done in conjunction with medical professionals, such as genetic counselors. These professionals are experts not only in genetics, but also in counseling patients and family members about the benefits and potential harms of learning about a disease risk. Today, this traditional route is not the only option: direct-to-consumer genetic testing, offered by several companies, does not require a medical professional. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has established a process by which companies can provide predictive testing for certain disorders, in addition to common traits such as straight or wavy hair.
Do you think medical professionals should be required for all genetic testing, or should consumers have direct access to predictive genetic testing? In defending your answer, use at least one disorder to explore the implications of involving, and not involving, a medical professional such as a genetic counselor.
2018 Winners
1st Place: Diane Zhang, Grade 11
Teacher: Ms. Stephanie Peborde
School: Fox Lane High School
Location: Bedford, NY
2nd Place: Ilan Bocian, Grade 11
Teacher: Mrs. Vickie Bellomo
School: YULA-Boys
Location: Los Angeles, CA
3rd Place: Nadia O’Hara, Grade 9
Teacher: Mrs. Audra Santos
School: Pechersk School International
Location: Kyiv, Ukraine
Honorable Mentions
| Blair Atherton Home School Avon, IL Teacher: Mrs. Tina Atherton |
Manali Nayak Dr. Ninad Sheode’s Physics Coaching Class Pune, India Teacher: Dr. Ninad Sheode |
| Jaeho Hwang Seoul International School Seoul, South Korea Teacher: Mr. Chris Koester |
Fiona Oh Homestead High School Cupertino, CA Teacher: Mrs. Jessica Wakefield |
| “Amy” Seunghyun Kim Korea International School, Jeju Seogwipo-si, South Korea Teacher: Mr. Michael Palmer |
Sarah Weber Albuquerque Academy Albuquerque, NM Teacher: Mrs. Miranda Fleig |
| Kenton Kryger Battle Creek Area Math & Science Center Battle Creek, MI Teacher: Mrs. Lindsey Keller |
Lena Wood Scarborough High School Scarborough, ME Teacher: Mr. Jonathan York |
| Cindy Li Smithtown High School East St. James, NY Teacher: Ms. Maria Zeitlin |
Camille Zywczyk Palm Beach Central High School Wellington, FL Teacher: Mr. William Bartenslager |
Where in the world our submissions come from:
About the Contest
The contest aims to challenge students to examine, question, and reflect on important ideas and issues related to human genetics. Competitive essays are expected to convey substantive, well-reasoned, and evidence-based arguments that demonstrate deep understanding.
Essays are evaluated through three rounds of judging, and every essay is read by a minimum of three judges. Top-scoring essays have typically been scored by a dozen or more judges.
Questions/Comments: Contact dnaday@ashg.org