Currently competing in the 2025 USA Biolympiad (USABO) National Finals at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, from June 22 to July 4, 2025, is Kian Dhawan, a student at Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring.
Kian wants to work in biochemistry and is interested in all things mathematical and scientific. He has won USA National Chemical Olympiad (USNCO) High Honors and is a three-time AIME qualifier. Joann DiGennaro, president of the Center for Excellence in instruction (CEE), which oversees the USABO program, stated that the organization’s USA Biolympiad program promotes excellence in biology instruction and pushes students and their teachers to achieve the highest scientific standards.
Following two days of testing, finalists will engage in ten days of advanced biology teaching that includes laboratory training and conceptual knowledge. The 36th International Biology Olympiad is a global tournament that brings together student teams from more than 80 countries, and four students will ultimately be honored to represent the United States. It will take place in Quezon City, Philippines, from July 20 to July 27.
Kian won a silver medal at the USABO National Finals last year, which took place from May 25–June 8, 2024, at Marymount University’s main campus in Arlington, Virginia. This summer, Kian will be working at the University of Maryland, where he will be studying cancer biology. In addition to studying biology, Kian likes to play chess, play piano, solve different-sized Rubik’s cubes, and participate in Science Bowl. His squad won the national championship in 2025. He wants to express his gratitude to his parents, friends, and instructors for their unwavering support during his journey.
According to Kathy Frame, director of the USA Biolympiad, “This is an amazing journey that shows the passion these students have for biological sciences.”
