Can naturally occurring blue-green algae be turned into green gold in the form of biofuel? That is the question posed by the third semi-finalist selected in B.C.'s Year of Science "Choose Science, Go Far, Win Big" contest.

The winning idea comes from Jacquie Gulevich, a 17-year-old student from North Peace Senior Secondary school in Fort St. John. Her idea originates from concern over the blue-green algae found in nearby Charlie Lake. While biofuel is currently produced from blue-green algae farms, it has yet to be determined whether or not oil can be extracted from the algae in the lake to make biofuel.

Peace River North MLA Pat Pimm presented Gulevich with her $250 prize package at the 2011 Northern BC Regional Science Fair in Fort St. John. Gulevich is now eligible for the grand prize of a $25,000 scholarship to the post-secondary institution in B.C. of her choice.

Based on the popular TV show, MythBusters, the Year of Science video contest asks young people to upload videos of their ideas for science experiments or myths to be tested. All entries can be submitted to a dedicated Year of Science YouTube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/yearofsciencebc

During the year, six semi-finalists will be chosen. The fourth semi-finalist will be announced later this month.

Quotes:

"I discovered something local that could create a change globally. While visiting Charlie Lake last summer I wondered how we could clean up the cyanobacteria-filled lake and create something useful with it. The contest allowed me to ask the experts how we could possibly remove the bacteria for biofuel production."

Quick Facts:

• Through the Year of Science, the B.C. government wants to engage young people in science by showcasing how science works, who scientists are, the kinds of work they do, and why science matters in our everyday lives.
• B.C.'s future depends on a new kind of literacy in science, technology, math and engineering. Predictions are that three-quarters of all future jobs in B.C. will need at least some kind of post-secondary education.
• Over the next 10 years, approximately one in every eight job openings will be in a science-related occupation.
• By encouraging young people of our province to pursue a science education today, we will be preparing them for the jobs of tomorrow and ensuring they have the knowledge and skills to build a strong economy and bring about a brighter future for everyone.

Learn More:

www.yearofsciencebc.ca

Check out the winning video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VdkcWcbuwE

(youtube.com)

Media Contact:
Lauren Mulholland
Government Communications and Public Engagement
250 952-0615