The Bishop Shanahan High School STEM Team capped off an extraordinary year of innovation and academic excellence by earning Top 10 Finalist honors at the 2026 National Technology Student Association (TSA) Conference, held June 22–26 in the Washington, D.C. area.

Representing Bishop Shanahan in the TSA Biotechnology Design competition were Gideon Praveen Dhas, Minh Pham, Clare Voss, and Daniel Zimmerman. Competing against 126 teams from across the United States and around the world, the team distinguished itself through its innovative research and multimedia presentation focused on improving antibody-drug conjugate linker stability as a treatment strategy for cancer. Their impressive performance earned them a place among the nation's top ten biotechnology design teams.

The team's success at the national level followed an outstanding season of competition. After advancing through regional competition in February, the students captured First Place at the Pennsylvania Technology Student Association State Conference in April, a four-day event held near Pittsburgh. Their state championship qualified them to represent Pennsylvania at the national conference.

The Technology Student Association (TSA) is a national career and technical student organization that engages middle and high school students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through competitive events, leadership development, and collaborative problem-solving, TSA challenges students to apply classroom learning to real-world issues while developing critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills.

"This remarkable achievement reflects the talent, dedication, and perseverance of these students," said Principal Dr. Robert Moran. "Their success on the regional, state, and national stages exemplifies the academic excellence and spirit of innovation that are hallmarks of Bishop Shanahan's STEM program. We are incredibly proud of Gideon, Minh, Clare, and Daniel for representing our school with such distinction."

Congratulations to our Pennsylvania State Champions and National TSA Top 10 Finalists on an exceptional year of accomplishment!