Georgia Life Sciences Selects Fulton County Schools Innovation Academy Student as the 2025 Georgia BioGENEius Winner

Georgia Life Sciences Selects Fulton County Schools Innovation Academy Student as the 2025 Georgia BioGENEius Winner

Sandy Springs & Rockmart Teens Take Top Honors in Statewide Science Competition



Atlanta, GA (April 4, 2025) – Georgia Life Sciences today named Bhavya Alapati, a junior at Fulton County Schools Innovation Academy, as the winner of the 2025 Georgia BioGENEius Challenge, the premier competition for high school students that recognizes outstanding research and innovation in the biotechnology field. Eleven students from across Georgia competed for this year’s title and cash prize.

Bhavya’s project investigated a novel method of identifying strokes using a device she created called SpectroStroke, a small-scale spectrophotometer, to detect homocysteine, an amino acid product that is associated with stroke. Bhavya identified the ability of homocysteine to be detected using Ellman’s reagent, which reacts with the free sulfhydryl group on the molecule to produce a yellow color. Bhavya created a wearable patch that contains the Ellman’s reagent. Then, she designed the SpectroStroke to be able to detect the color change when the patch is exposed to elevated levels of homocysteine. Bhavya’s SpectroStroke can detect normal levels of homocysteine up to extremely high levels seen in those experiencing a stroke. The ability to detect a stroke earlier would reduce damage and long-term effects of the condition. A future iteration of the SpectroStroke would include real-time monitoring capabilities to help track changing homocysteine levels.


"Supporting and celebrating outstanding research and innovation in biotechnology is vital for the future of science and medicine. The Georgia BioGENEius Challenge not only encourages the brightest young minds to explore their potential but also nurtures the next generation of leaders who will drive groundbreaking advancements in biotechnology,” said Georgia Life Sciences President and CEO Maria Thacker-Goethe. “By recognizing and empowering these students, we are helping to shape a future where innovation thrives and the possibilities for improving lives are endless. Well done, Bhavya!”


Georgia Life Sciences also congratulates the Georgia BioGENEius runner-up, Shelby Kendrick, who is a senior at Paulding County High School in Dallas, GA. Shelby’s research investigated the ability of Aspergillus terreus, a fungus found in soil, to degrade pre-treated polypropylene plastic (PP). This fungus has been discovered to produce high concentrations of degrading enzymes and raises the moisture level of its substrate. Shelby isolated the fungus from soil samples and confirmed the species using PCR amplification and DNA barcoding.

 

Samples of polypropylene were pre-treated with 75% ethanol and UV exposure, then placed in a liquid culture of A. terreus in Minimal Salt Medium (MSM) media, and the culture was incubated for 23 days. At the end of the trial period, PP samples were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy. These samples showed changes in their surface layer, indicating evidence of biodegradation. Polypropylene plastic is found in household items such as plastic cups and is a known problem in the environment due to its inability to degrade. Shelby’s future research on the use of A. terreus for biodegradation includes optimizing degradation conditions and assessing methods of application in the environment.


Judging the 2025 Georgia BioGENEius Challenge were Ralph L. Cordell, CDC, and Alex Harvey, ViaMune. Cash prizes were awarded to Bhavya and Shelby.


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About Georgia Life Sciences

Georgia Life Sciences, founded in 1989, is a non-profit, membership-based organization that promotes the interests and growth of the life sciences industry. It is the state’s largest and most influential life sciences advocacy and business leadership organization working to improve access to innovative discoveries that have lifesaving impact. The association connects business, academia, government, and other allied entities involved in the application of life sciences products to fuel growth and collaboration through policy development, community programs, national industry initiatives, and a portfolio of educational and networking events.

Learn more at galifesciences.org.

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By Maria Thacker Goethe • October 22, 2025
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Georgia Life Sciences Launches New Podcast Series, Vitals, in Partnership with Cloudcast Media

October 6, 2025
Atlanta, GA — October 6 — Georgia Life Sciences today announced the launch of Vitals, a new podcast series developed in partnership with Cloudcast Media, a leader in branded podcast production. The series will spotlight the people, ideas, and innovations shaping the future of Georgia’s rapidly growing life sciences sector. Hosted by Georgia Life Sciences’ CEO, Maria Thacker Goethe, Vitals will feature in-depth conversations with scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, educators, policymakers, and patient advocates. Each episode will explore the challenges and opportunities facing Georgia’s life sciences ecosystem—spanning biopharma, medical technology, digital health, and advanced manufacturing. “Vitals gives us a powerful platform to showcase the remarkable work happening within our state,” said Maria Thacker Goethe. “By sharing these stories, we’re highlighting not only groundbreaking science but also the collaboration and talent that make Georgia such a vibrant hub for health innovation.” Cloudcast Media, known for its expertise in storytelling and high-quality podcast production, will bring industry insights and technical support to ensure the series reaches audiences across Georgia and beyond. “We’re proud to partner with Georgia Life Sciences on Vitals,” said Charles Parisi, Founder and CEO of Cloudcast. “This series will elevate the voices of innovators who are advancing science, improving patient outcomes, and building Georgia’s reputation as a global life sciences leader. We are very excited that Cloudcast Atlanta can play a role in supporting Maria and the impactful work of Georgia Life Sciences.” The first episode of Vitals launched today and is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other major streaming platforms, as well as through the Georgia Life Sciences website.

BIO Statement on Most Favored Nation Policies

October 1, 2025
September 30, 2025 WASHINGTON, D.C. – John F. Crowley, President and CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO) released the following statement on Most Favored Nation policies: "For too many years, Americans have subsidized the research and development necessary to bring newer and better medicines to patients around the world. As we saw with defense spending and NATO, the solution is not to weaken a strategically important American industry, but for other countries to pay their fair share. “Today’s announcement in the Oval Office highlights the problems with a drug delivery system where half of the cost of innovative medicines goes to middlemen and distributors, and where the supply chain distorts prices paid by the American people. We support a new framework that addresses the cost of medicines by simplifying the system - and making medicines directly available to patients. “But importing socialist price controls through most-favored nation policies fundamentally does not address the imbalance in international pricing for innovative medicines. MFN will not lower the out-of-pocket prices that most Americans pay for medicines. Even worse, it will jeopardize the entrepreneurial spirit and deter the capital necessary for a vibrant and essential American biotechnology industry to thrive and may cause most harm to small and midsize biotech companies, which are responsible for discovering more than half of all new treatments. “Without these biotech innovators and a free-market system, we risk slower scientific progress, decreased access to new medicines, compromised national security, fewer American jobs and perhaps most tragically, a diminished hope for those suffering with illness and disease. There are much better ways to address this problem than MFN.” ###
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