JAX deepens its commitment to the next generation of scientists with new Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Award

The new Jackson Laboratory Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Award recognizes outstanding student work at the intersection of computer science, mathematics, and biological systems — a field that has surged in popularity as students increasingly apply these skills important to biomedical research.

The sponsorship arrives at a pivotal moment for both the fair and the field of biomedical research. Computational biology has emerged as a cornerstone of modern biomedical research, and the category’s rapid growth reflects the skills students will need to thrive in a technology-driven scientific landscape.

In addition to sponsoring the fair, 14 JAX employees volunteered as judges, providing the students with invaluable access to Laboratory scientists and staff.

Dr. Frank LaBanca, director of the Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair commented, “Our longtime partnership with JAX provides opportunities for Connecticut’s best and brightest to showcase their science and interact with practicing scientists and engineers. It’s an incredibly meaningful educational experience.”

A decade-long partnership rooted in student opportunity

JAX has supported the Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair since 2017 through sponsorship of the Urban School Challenge, the broader Life Science category, and a special award for genomics‑related projects. This year’s sponsorship marks the 10th anniversary of that collaboration, signaling a deepened focus on the future of data-driven biology.

Specifically highlighting projects that apply computer science, mathematics, data analytics, modeling and simulation techniques to biological, behavioral and social systems, the Computational Biology and Bioinformatics category aligns with JAX’s mission to empower the global biomedical community in improving human health.

“Part of our mission includes a deep commitment to creating and supporting diverse and inclusive educational programs,” Dana Carroll, vice president of research administration at JAX, said during the March 14 awards presentation at Quinnipiac University. “We believe STEM opportunities should be accessible to all students.”

Carroll noted that the introduction of a computer science-focused award is especially timely, given the growing demand for computational and data science skills in biomedical research.

“JAX has a record of leadership in computational biology,” she said. “By curating and analyzing complex genomic and genetic data, our computational scientists enable the discoveries that make modern genetics, sequencing, and disease research possible.”

Participation in the fair, Carroll added, helps cultivate curiosity, innovation, and communication—skills essential for developing scientists and central to JAX’s philosophy that science is for all.

Students at the center

The Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair Association, a nonprofit organization, supports scientific exploration among seventh through twelfth grade students across Connecticut and neighboring New York communities. More than 12,000 students compete annually at local, regional, and city‑wide fairs, with approximately 600 earning a place at the statewide competition.

For students like Rachel Mathew, a sophomore at South Windsor High School, the experience is transformative.

“This is my first time meeting real scientists,” Mathew said. “I’m one of the first ever finalists to come out of South Windsor High School. It’s such an honor and an amazing experience.”

Her words echo the broader impact of the fair: not only recognizing excellence but also expanding students’ sense of what is possible—and who belongs in science.

That impact was evident throughout the 2026 fair, which combined virtual preliminary judging with in-person finalist interviews and an awards ceremony at Quinnipiac University. Fourteen JAX volunteer judges participated, engaging directly with students to discuss their work, methods, and ideas.

“We were incredibly impressed by the caliber of talent and creativity we saw this year,” Carroll said. “On behalf of the entire Laboratory, congratulations to all Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair participants—and especially to the recipients of the 2026 Jackson Laboratory Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Awards: Jessica Garcia, Middlebrook School, Wilton; Juliette Prezioso, Central Middle School, Greenwich; Pierson Clark, Slate School, North Haven; Shravya Mankala, Scarlett Chen, Jiayu Su, Bethel High School, Bethel; Rhea Doshi, Kingswood Oxford, West Hartford; Tessa Addeo, Greenwich High School, Greenwich."