As part of the first-ever Mendel Day 2025, Glendale Community College (GCC) launched its inaugural Mendel Contest, which boasted 16 participants who took home prizes. The competition invited students to creatively approach Gregor Mendel’s scientific legacy in remembrance of his groundbreaking contributions to genetics. Winners were revealed on March 27.

Seven students received awards sponsored by William Gohlke. Each winner received a certificate and a small crocheted pea pod, a handcrafted symbol of Mendel’s legacy.

Jessica Hovhannisyan earned first place in the student category with a score of 23, receiving a $100 prize. Second place was awarded to Su Myat Noe Pwint and Rory Pennington, who scored 21 and 22 respectively; each received a $50 prize. Third place honors went to Armina Amy Asaturyan (17 points), Alina Margousian (18 points), Savanna Moon (17 points), and Julia Terzian (19 points), each receiving $25. In the professor category, William Hewson took first place with 24 points and Rhona Blaker received second place with 19 points; both were awarded chocolate prizes for their achievements.

Through his painstaking research with pea plants, Gregor Mendel – often referred to as the father of modern genetics – transformed the knowledge of heredity. His findings shaped disciplines ranging from agriculture to medicine and established the groundwork for genetic science. The GCC’s goal of encouraging interdisciplinary creativity and scientific inquiry is in line with the Mendel Contest.

Dr. Janečková, Biology professor and leading advocate for scientific outreach at GCC, emphasized the importance of Mendel’s work: “While Mendel’s laws of inheritance are fundamental to genetics, they are often taught in a purely theoretical way. The Mendel Contest encourages students to apply these principles through creative projects, independent research, and problem-solving.”

The “Gregor Mendel Contest: How Do I See Mendel?” invited students to explore Mendel’s legacy through various mediums, including visual art, written works, and scientific projects.

Dr. Janečková was enthusiastic about the initiative. Nare Garibyan, Faculty member at GCC, shared: “As the GCC Science Lecture Series Coordinator (since 2014), I always reach out to our science departments and ask the faculty if they would like to present in the series. Dr. Eva approached me about the Mendel Contest and the US Mendel School.”

Participants submitted their work through GCC’s Canvas course system, making sure to adhere to the contest guidelines. For additional information, students were encouraged to contact [email protected].

The competition, which was organized in partnership with the U.S. Mendel School, is expected to establish as a yearly event that promotes a greater understanding of genetics and scientific inquiry.

Garibyan shared her hopes for the contest’s future: “Celebrating Mendel will be an annual event on the GCC campus as part of the activities of the US Mendel School for Mendel Day. Each year the particular activity associated with the celebration will vary.”

Students eagerly awaited the results of the judging process. The best entries were displayed, showcasing the participants’ inventiveness and commitment.

In addition to honoring Mendel’s legacy, the competition aims to motivate students from various academic fields by demonstrating how science and creativity can coexist. It provides a starting point for further genetics research and involvement.

Dr. Janečková reflected on the contest’s impact: “This contest allows students to explore genetics in a way that feels engaging and enjoyable. When students are encouraged to experiment, create, and think outside the box, learning becomes a memorable and meaningful experience. Moreover, we had participants not only from Biology but also from Business and the Arts, which brings me great joy.”

GCC seeks to reinforce the value of scientific innovation and exploration by inviting students to take part in future Mendel Contests, the organizer explained. 

Organizers and the wider GCC community said they hope the success of the inaugural Mendel Contest will lead to greater participation and innovation in the years to come.

Jojo Mkhitaryan can be reached at [email protected].