About the Expo

WHAT IS THE EXPO?

_{A student from Woodinville High School - for more, check out NWABR's blog!}

This exciting event draws together high school students from Seattle-area biology, biotechnology and molecular biology classes and allows them to present their work to each other and to the public. The Expo promotes science literacy and allows students to showcase work that reflects different aspects of the biosciences.

You can read the official 2011 expo press release here. 

Two key elements of the Expo distinguish it from conventional science fairs.

• Each student has an opportunity to be matched with a community mentor who has expertise in the student's area of interest. We facilitate connections between the scientific and education communities and provide increased opportunities for student access to advisor and mentor resources.

• Students projects can be presented in a variety of forms - from art, drama, or music to molecular modeling, web design or traditional scientific research. For all projects, students must research the science behind their chosen topics. Students have the opportunity to see the relevance of science to their own interests, and can demonstrate their learning in ways that best suit them. The project categories and their criteria are described in the Category Requirements page.

View this short (6 minute) video - a great overview of the Expo event, and featuring a short interview with students, mentors, judges, and event organizers.  You can also download or view in Windows Media Player here. 

HOW DID THE EXPO ORIGINATE?

The Expo was originally developed by a collaboration between educators, science outreach professionals, and scientists. Jeanne Ting Chowning, science teacher, and Janis Wignall, manager of science education at Immunex/Amgen, were key in the development of the Expo model.

Other early supporters and members of the Expo Advisory Committee included Stella Batzel, Mary Glodowski, Joan Carlton Griswold, Len Kashner, Connie Kelly, Nancy Mallinak, Laurie Matthews, Kim McCaw, Carolyn Landel, Steven Collins, Pat Magnafichi, Sharon Masse, Phil Ness, Sharon Schierle, Sue Schultz, Peggy Skinner, Tracy Stoops, Peggy Sturdivant, Diane Rosman, Peggy Vandenburgh, Mary Margaret Welch, and Susan White.

Planning for the Expo began in 1999; the first Expo was held at the Shoreline Center in 2001. Originally a program of the Washington Biotechnology Foundation (an all-volunteer group), the Expo transitioned to a more stable home at NWABR in 2005.

The Expo is currently directed by Jeanne Ting Chowning, Director of Education, NWABR, and is managed by Joan Carlton Griswold, Curriculum Design Lead & Program Manager, NWABR. The Student Bio Expo is presented by the Northwest Association for Biomedical Research (NWABR), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the understanding of research. We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Amgen Foundation in making the Expo possible.