| Biography |
|---|
| Dennis Drewnik is a grade 11 student at Sisler High School in Winnipeg, Manitoba with a passion for science and technology. Dennis has been working in the lab of Dr. Mark Belmonte at the University of Manitoba and a participant in local and provincial science fairs for four years focusing on finding solutions to real world problem facing canola growers on the Canadian prairies and around the globe. Dennis’s interest in plant molecular biology and bioinformatics has led to the identification of novel plant defense response genes that hold the promise of protecting canola from devastating fungal pathogens that cause millions of dollars in damage to the Canadian economy each year. Beyond the lab, Dennis also enjoys sports and is part of the Cross-Country and Track and Field teams at Sisler High School. An avid fan of puzzles, Dennis enjoys playing chess, solving the Rubik’s cube, and optical illusions. It is Dennis’ dream to solve important agricultural and biological problems to help bolster and protect the World’s food systems. |
| Dennis Drewnik
Identification of Plant Defense Genes in the Arabidopsis-Sclerotinia Pathosystem
| Challenge: | Discovery | | Category: | Senior | | Region: | Winnipeg Schools | | City: | Winnipeg, MB | | School: | Sisler High School | | Abstract: | Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is the number one fungal pathogen affecting canola in Canada and causes millions of dollars in damage to growers each year. Comprehensive bioinformatics and functional characterization of the plant defense response genes were carried out in a closely related model organism, Arabidopsis. We identified DORN1 as an integral plant defense response hub that has the potential to improve plant performance under disease conditions. |
| Awards | Value | 4-H Canada Award
Senior
Sponsor: 4-H Canada | $1 000.00 | Excellence Award - Senior
Silver Medal
Sponsor: Youth Science Canada | | Dalhousie University Faculty of Science Entrance Scholarship
Senior Silver Medallist - $2500 Entrance Scholarship
Sponsor: Dalhousie University, Faculty of Science | $2 500.00 | UBC Science (Vancouver) Entrance Award
Senior Silver Medallist - $2000 Entrance Scholarship
Sponsor: The University of British Columbia (Vancouver) | $2 000.00 | University of New Brunswick Canada-Wide Science Fair Scholarship
Silver Medallist - $2500 Entrance Scholarship
Sponsor: University of New Brunswick | $2 500.00 | University of Ottawa Entrance Scholarship
Senior Silver Medallist - $2000 Entrance Scholarship
Sponsor: University of Ottawa | $2 000.00 | Western University Scholarship
Silver Medallist - $2000 Entrance Scholarship
Sponsor: Western University | $2 000.00 | | Total | $12 000.00 | |
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