Winton Woods High School Biotechnology student Dacresa Pennington received the runner’s up award for her Biotechnologies Pathway Capstone Project on determining the potential contamination of ground beef. The award was presented at the Tech Prep Showcase on February 28 at UC Clermont College.  Pennington investigated whether ground beef from different grocery stores was contaminated with pork, and if the quality of the store indicated whether there would be contamination.

Pennington and classmates Desirae Bedford, Kia Burston, and Jazmine Burton have worked all year to complete their capstone projects which are a required portion of Winton Woods High School’s Biotechnology course. Biotechnology is a rigorous two-year program which is part of Tech Prep.

 In order to complete the capstone, students must design, research, and carry out a scientific research project from start to finish. The conclusion of the students’ projects was to present their research in poster form at the Tech Prep Showcase.  This is an annual event where all students involved in a Tech Prep program present their work.