Students Honored for Winning Essays on Biomedical Research, Science Projects
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Contact: Paula Clifford, Executive Director, PSBR, 717-731-3558, psbr@psbr.org
Students Honored for Winning Essays on Biomedical Research, Science Projects
Awards Presented at PSBR Annual Dinner by State Special Deputy Secretary
Dr. William Britz Discusses Historic Role of Chimps in Space Race
CAMP HILL, PA – June 8, 2011 – “A war has been raging for decades. Not a typical conflict between armed forces with weapons, but a dispute between animal activists and scientists on the necessity of biomedical research – a subject disfigured and distorted by misconceptions and untruths.” So begins one of the winning submissions in the 20th annual essay contest for high school students sponsored by the Pennsylvania Society for Biomedical Research (PSBR).
The winners were honored at the PSBR annual dinner on May 25 at the Villanova Conference Center in Radnor, receiving cash awards of between $100 to $500. This year, 329 students from 54 schools wrote essays that answered the question, “Why are Animals Used in Biomedical Research?” Winners were selected after three rounds of judging by PSBR members and friends, whose decisions were based on identifying students who demonstrated a superior understanding of the topic and artfully conveyed their ideas in writing.
Awards were also presented to winners of the 16th annual PSBR essay contest for 7th and 8th grade students. This year, 90 students from 21 schools wrote essays that answered the question, “What’s the Point of Biomedical Research?”
“The essay contests marry the science of animal research with the art of writing, requiring students to apply their skills in both subjects within a single project,” says Paula A. Clifford, PSBR executive director. One of the strategic goals of PSBR is to educate students about the role of animals in biomedical research, and the essay contests are a major component in that undertaking.
Jessie Smith, special deputy secretary for dog law enforcement, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, presented the awards and also delivered a letter of congratulations to each winner from Gov. Tom Corbett. In his letter, he wrote: “I am always excited to hear of talented students who demonstrate a real passion for learning and the motivation to use their knowledge outside of the classroom to address some of the world’s most critical issues and concerns…As a winner of this year’s competition, you have proven that you posess the initiative and intelligence to lead the future of a complex and rapidly developing world. Your knowledge and skill in the sciences and in the craft of writing will open worlds of opportunity as you pursue your academic career and special interest.”
Other honorees of the evening included winners of the Technology Student Awards, hosted by the Pennsylvania Technology Student Association and supported by PSBR, and the PSBR Special Award winners for both the Montgomery County Science Research Competition and the Delaware Valley Science Fairs.
Past PSBR Executive Director John Ellis was honored for his decade of service to the organization, after retiring at year-end 2009. Founding Executive Director R. Norman Wilkinson also was on hand for the celebration, making this the first time that, along with Paula Clifford, all three leaders of PSBR have been together.
Keynote
The keynote speaker was Dr. William Britz, who gave a personal account of his years as an Air Force veterinarian, supporting the early space program. He shared insights into the selection and preparation of Ham, Enos and the other chimpanzees involved in the program supporting the two NASA Project Mercury Flights (MR-2 and MA-5). Ham and Enos became famous for flight testing the life-support systems of the Mercury capsule prior to flights by astronauts Alan Shepard and John Glenn.
About PSBR: The Pennsylvania Society for Biomedical Research was established to promote a better public understanding of the value of animal-based biomedical research. Its membership comes from universities, medical schools, pharmaceutical firms and professional societies in Pennsylvania and Delaware. PSBR focuses on educating students about the vital role played by the responsible use of animals in improving the quality of human and animal health; advocating for public policies that support responsible animal-based research; and informing the public and key stakeholders about animal research issues. PSBR strongly supports the continued role of animals in research when no reliable alternative exists. Visit www.psbr.org.