![Dr. Kenneth Lee stands with his biotech students at a banner unveiling for his teacher of the year recognition]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1746549019/smsdorg/xsrduz34fbpbgmfcnkwb/IMG_9089.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1746549019/smsdorg/xsrduz34fbpbgmfcnkwb/IMG_9089.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1746549019/smsdorg/xsrduz34fbpbgmfcnkwb/IMG_9089.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1746549019/smsdorg/xsrduz34fbpbgmfcnkwb/IMG_9089.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1746549019/smsdorg/xsrduz34fbpbgmfcnkwb/IMG_9089.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1746549019/smsdorg/xsrduz34fbpbgmfcnkwb/IMG_9089.jpg","width":2200}])
The SMSD Biotechnology Signature Program is proud to celebrate one of the most accomplished years in its history! Under the leadership of Dr. Kenneth Lee and Zulma Perez-Estrella, the program and its students have earned an overwhelming number of accolades and awards throughout the 2024-2025 school year.
Additionally, in recognition of his outstanding mentorship and contributions to science education, Dr. Lee was honored as the Marie Miller Teacher of the Year by the Greater Kansas City Science and Engineering Fair (GKCSEF). Congratulations to Dr. Lee and his students on this remarkable achievement! Here are a few of the most recent student awards:
Anna Holland (above) placed 1st in the Chemistry division at the Greater Kansas City Science and Engineering Fair. She was also awarded a Pioneer in Science Award and a Grand Award which qualifies her for the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).
Kate Businetz (above) received a Grand Award at the GKCSEF and qualifies for ISEF.
Elizabeth Barnes earned 2nd place at the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS); 3rd place at the National STEM Awards, 1st place in Molecular Biology at the GKCSEF, along with the Science Coach Special Award, Regeneron Biomedical Science Special Award, Pioneer in Science Award, and Grand Award to qualify for ISEF. She also received the Regnier Award at the SMSD Research and Development Forum and an Award of Distinction.
Cooper Grotzinger-Frerichs earned 3rd place at JSHS; 2nd at the National STEM Awards; 1st place in Environmental Science at the GKCSEF along with a Pioneer in Science Award, Grand Award (qualifies for ISEF).
Sahira Bhakta took 5th place at JSHS.
Savannah Siceloff took 1st place at the National STEM awards; 1st place in Animal Science at GKSEF along with a Pioneer in Science Award, and Science Coach Special Award.