The Northern Virginia chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers recently held their first biomedical competition at The Clubs at Quantico on March 13.

The competition challenged four teams of students ranging from sixth grade to 11^th grade from the region to develop a research project on the topics of brain cancer, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer and neurofibromatosis.

The students had to compile a research paper on the causes, history, treatment and survivability rate of their respective condition, and then back up their paper with a presentation using materials like a brochure, website, slideshow and exhibit board.

“I’m really impressed by what I’ve seen here this evening, and to see so many young people who are so gifted and so interested in pursuing excellence in academics and research is great,” said Xavier Richardson, the executive vice president of Mary Washington Healthcare, who served as one of the judges.

They were judged by a five judge panel, earning a possible 55 points for their research paper, 15 for their exhibit board, 15 for their presentation, 10 for their webpage and 5 for their brochure.

The thyroid cancer team came in first place followed by brain cancer, pancreatic cancer and neurofibromatosis.

The judges had plenty of praise for all the students who competed.

“You may not realize this, but there were young people answering questions at college level this evening,” said Dr. Gerald Weatherspoon, the associate chairman for the department of chemistry and biochemistry at George Mason University. “They were answering questions with more confidence than I see in a lot of first-year freshman at George Mason. What they’re doing is setting the stage for the future.”