USA Biology Olympiad Semi-Finalists Announced

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Media Contact: Bill McIntyre, 703-448-9062 ext. 229

USA Biology Olympiad Semi-Finalists Announced
More than 600 Students Prepare for the Next Exam and a Chance for a Top 20 Finalist Position

McLean, VA (Mar. 23, 2018) — The Center for Excellence in Education (CEE) announced the 646 semi-finalist high school students for the 16th Annual USA Biology Olympiad (USABO) National Finals that will take place at UC San Diego in June 2018.

“Congratulations to the USABO semi-finalists. You all are one step closer to representing the USA at the international competition. Investing in STEM education programs ensures the next generation is prepared to enter the workforce with the skills they need and that the United States stays globally competitive in science and technology. The Center for Excellence in Education is instrumental in nurturing these young minds, who will go on to achieve great things,” said Congressman Scott Peters (CA52) whose district includes San Diego and who serves as an Honorary Member of the CEE Board of Trustees.

The semi-finalists represent the top 9 percent of test scores by students who registered to take the Open Exam in February. They will complete the next round of testing by mid-April and the 20 national finalists will be announced in May. A record number of U.S. high schools registered for the 2018 USABO and more than 7,200 students signed up for the Open Exam.

The USABO is jointly sponsored by CEE and UC San Diego for the first time ever. Program officials from CEE are working with UC San Diego officials to prepare for the final stage of the contest in the premier national biology competition for U.S. high school students.  USABO finalists participate in 10 days of biology instruction inclusive of laboratory training and conceptual understanding followed by two days of testing in June at UC San Diego. “This is a wonderful opportunity for USABO scholars to be exposed to UC San Diego research and faculty,” said Xiaojun (Bill) Li, Ph.D., Vice President, CEE’s USABO.

Ultimately, four students are competitively chosen to represent the USA at the International Biology Olympiad (IBO) from July 15-22 in Tehran, Iran. USABO has earned the coveted #1 Team in the World in 2017, 2015, 2013, and 2011. Every member of Team USA has medaled at the IBO since first competing in 2003. 

The USABO is sponsored by The Center for Excellence in Education (CEE), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. CEE sponsors the Research Science Institute (RSI), USA Biology Olympiad (USABO), the Teacher Enrichment Program (TEP), and the Department of Defense Research Laboratories Internships.

About the Center for Excellence in Education

The Center for Excellence in Education was founded in 1983 by the late Admiral H.G. Rickover and Joann P. DiGennaro, President of the Center. The Center's mission is to nurture high school and university scholars to careers of excellence and leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – and to encourage collaboration between and among leaders in the global community. 

Related websites:

Center for Excellence in Education: https://www.cee.org/

USA Biology Olympiad: https://www.usabo-trc.org/