First place for future health professionals

Tanvi Venkatesh and Shu-Jin Kust, both juniors, recently won first place for their research and interview on Marfan Syndrome at Nemours Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children Rare Disease Day. Nemours Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children and Delaware HOSA-Future Health Professionals co-sponsored the 3rd Annual Rare Disease Day Student Research Event. This competitive event aims to encourage student engagement and to support policies and practices that facilitate research, encourage innovation, and advance awareness and understanding of rare diseases. As part of the competition, they were interviewed by Nemours doctors. They also earned the Philanthropy Award as they raised over $1,400 for rare disease research in the fundraising piece of the competition. Biotechnology teacher and HOSA advisor, Melanie Mundell explained, “The experience was wonderful as Tanvi and Shu-Jin were partnered with a patient who has Marfan Syndrome as well as with the patient’s doctor and family.”