South Jersey educators honored at White House for winning AI challenge

Three educators from Camden Catholic High School in New Jersey were recognized at the White House on June 8 as national champions in the 2026 AI Presidential Challenge. Dr. An Nguyen, Bridget Blash, and Regina Knowlton won for their AP Biology module titled 'AI-Augmented Molecular Design: An AI-Durable Model for AP Biology,' which was developed for the 2025-2026 school year. The module introduces students to AI-driven protein structure prediction using AlphaFold, a tool that won the 2021 Nobel Prize in Chemistry. Students act as lead scientists in a simulated research startup, designing experiments and analyzing biological pathways before applying AI to test hypotheses. The project emphasizes critical thinking and scientific literacy rather than replacing traditional learning methods. The educators competed against participants nationwide, with their submission winning the '3B track' for transforming education through AI tool integration. Their module uses free, browser-based tools accessible via school Chromebooks, ensuring equitable participation. Camden Catholic High School highlighted the project’s success in a press release, noting that students develop advanced scientific skills typically unavailable at the high school level. The initiative aligns with broader efforts to integrate AI into K-12 education, demonstrating practical applications in biology while fostering innovation. The White House recognition follows the module’s regional victory earlier this spring, where it was praised for its innovative approach to AI in classrooms. The project exemplifies how AI can enhance learning experiences while maintaining a focus on foundational scientific understanding.