EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE | October 18, 2010

ACS International Chemistry Olympian Nathan S. Benjamin invited to White House

WASHINGTON, Oct. 18, 2010 — President Barack Obama has invited Nathan S. Benjamin, a 2009 International Chemistry Olympiad silver medalist, to attend the first White House science fair today, the American Chemical Society (ACS) announced. ACS is the world’s largest scientific society.

As one of 75 exemplary science students chosen from across the nation, Benjamin will attend the science fair, which will include President Obama’s remarks as well as science demonstrations. The event will be held in the East Room of the White House at 11 a.m.

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President Obama has invited these students to underscore the importance of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education one week prior to the U.S. Science & Engineering Festival, scheduled for Oct. 23-24 on the National Mall. For more information: http://www.usasciencefestival.org/

President Obama has made improving STEM education a national imperative, linking scientific and technological innovation to our nation’s history of ingenuity, prosperity, and scientific leadership.

“Nathan Benjamin exemplifies the scientific intelligence and focused determination that will create a bright future for America,” said ACS President Joseph S. Francisco, Ph.D. “A leader for his generation, it is right and proper that Nathan be invited to inspire others to pursue scientific discovery and innovation.”

Benjamin will be blogging about his experience at the White House, his thoughts about science education, his experience with the International Chemistry Olympiad, which in 2012 will be held in Washington, D.C., and about his own studies and plans for the future. To follow his remarks and view video footage visit: www.acs.org/nathanbenjamin.

Nathan S. Benjamin won a silver medal at the 2009 International Chemistry Olympiad, which was held in Cambridge, England, and involved more than 250 students from 65 nations. As one of four members of the U.S. team, sponsored by ACS, Benjamin was selected from 11,000 of the top U.S. chemistry high school students.

Benjamin is originally from West Lafayette, Ind., the son of Mark and Chen-Farng Benjamin. He graduated from W. H. Harrison High School in 2009. Now age 18, Benjamin is in his second year at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge, Mass., pursuing studies in physics.

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Credit: American Chemical Society