Marvel Studios Announces Finalists and Winner of Doctor Strange: The Magic of Stem Challenge

MARVEL STUDIOS ANNOUNCES THE FINALISTS and GRAND PRIZE WINNER

Of MARVEL STUDIOS’ DOCTOR STRANGE: THE MAGIC OF STEM CHALLENGE

BURBANK, Calif. (October 31, 2016) — Disney, Marvel Studios, Dolby, Synchrony Bank, Broadcom MASTERS and Society for Science and the Public are pleased to announce the winner and finalists of the nationwide MARVEL STUDIOS’ DOCTOR STRANGE–THE MAGIC OF STEM CHALLENGE,  in conjunction with the November 4, 2016, theatrical release of Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange, starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, with Mads Mikkelsen and Tilda Swinton.

MARVEL STUDIOS’ DOCTOR STRANGE–THE MAGIC OF STEM challenged girls to create a science vlog episode in which they answered their favorite, or most vexing, scientific or technological question. To see the winning entries, please visit  www.DrStrangeMagicofSTEM.com

GRAND PRIZE WINNER: 

Ashley Qin, Age 16, from Arcadia, Calif.

Ashley’s question: How do non-invasive glucose monitoring wearable biosensors work?  

Ashley used fast-draw animation to creatively teach her viewers about wearable biosensors and how they can function as non-invasive glucose monitors.  She explained how this technology will allow diabetic patients, especially young patients, to easily and inconspicuously monitor their glucose levels, thereby maintaining a healthy lifestyle without embarrassment or the need for cumbersome monitoring equipment.  

FINALISTS

Navya Annapareddy, 16, Haymarket, Va. 

Navya’s question: How do upper-limb prosthetics work?

Navya’s vlog presented an engaging and easy to understand history of prosthetic devices beginning with the first known device, a toe found on an Egyptian mummy, and continuing to fully articulated modern-day devices that can be controlled by a person’s brain activity. Navya showed how advances in prosthetic design have taken the idea of regaining the use of a limb from the magical to the practical. 

Maggie Chen, Age 16, San Diego, Calif. 

Maggie’s question: How can antibiotic treatments be made more effective and safe? 

Maggie, through the use of engaging imagery and demonstration, explained how nanotechnology can be used to enhance the effectiveness and safety of antibiotics. Maggie enthusiastically shared her interest and fascination for the exciting possibilities of nanotechnology biomimic applications in healthcare.

Imani Porter, Age 15, Bolingbrook, Ill.

Imani’s question: Why are some people more susceptible to hair loss than others?

Imani’s vlog answered her question by introducing her audience to the fascinating field of metagenomics through the use of clever animation and personal presentation.  Imani used a novel self-awareness approach in her vlog, which not only enabled the viewer to easily understand her topic, but also assured young girls that it is okay to feel conflicted about their abilities in STEM and encouraged them to keep following their interests.

Amanda Zong, Age 17, Bronx, N.Y.

Amanda’s question: How does computer vision software work?   

Through a combination of fast-drawing animation, video annotation and demonstration, Amanda explained how facial recognition software, a form of computer vision technology, distinguishes a face from other similarly shaped objects, and can further distinguish specific facial features from one another.  Amanda also explained how advances in computer vision software allows self-driving cars to identify road signs and assists physicians in the diagnosis of diseases.  

MARVEL STUDIOS’ DOCTOR STRANGE–THE MAGIC OF STEM program sought to inspire young girls to work with a mentor to explore the wonders of science and technology and, in turn, to teach and inspire others. Girls nationwide, ages 15 – 18, in grades 10 -12, were invited to think of their favorite, or most vexing, scientific or technological question and then to find a mentor to help them explore the secrets and mysteries behind their questions. Each applicant was asked to submit a short, science vlog-style video, which shared with others what she had learned from her mentor. 

Five finalists attended the World Premiere of Marvel Studios’ Doctor Strange.  Each finalist received two round-trip tickets to Southern California for herself and her parent or guardian, which included scheduled meals, ground transportation to and from organized activities, and hotel accommodations; $1,000 deposited into a high-yield savings account from Synchrony Bank; a tour of the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California; and more.  

Ashley Qin, the grand-prize winner, was selected from the five finalists and will be mentored by The Walt Disney Studios Digital Team to learn how to produce her very own science vlog episode, from story development through production and presentation.  The vlog episode she creates with the Walt Disney Studios will be shown via a Walt Disney Company media platform. 

About Marvel Studios Doctor Strange

From Marvel comes “Doctor Strange,” the story of world-famous neurosurgeon Dr. Stephen Strange whose life changes forever after a horrific car accident robs him of the use of his hands. When traditional medicine fails him, he is forced to look for healing, and hope, in an unlikely place—a mysterious enclave known as Kamar-Taj. He quickly learns that this is not just a center for healing but also the front line of a battle against unseen dark forces bent on destroying our reality. Before long Strange—armed with newly acquired magical powers—is forced to choose whether to return to his life of fortune and status or leave it all behind to defend the world as the most powerful sorcerer in existence.

“Doctor Strange” stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachel McAdams, Benedict Wong, Michael Stuhlbarg, Benjamin Bratt and Scott Adkins, with Mads Mikkelsen and Tilda Swinton. Scott Derrickson is directing with Kevin Feige producing. Louis D’Esposito, Stephen Broussard, Victoria Alonso, Charles Newirth and Stan Lee serve as executive producers. Jon Spaihts and Scott Derrickson & C. Robert Cargill wrote the screenplay. Join Strange on his dangerous, mystifying and totally mind-bending journey when Marvel’s “Doctor Strange” opens in U.S. theaters on November 4, 2016.

About Marvel Entertainment:

Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world's most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media over seventy-five years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit marvel.com. © 2016 MARVEL

About Dolby Laboratories:

Dolby Laboratories (NYSE: DLB) creates audio, video, and voice technologies that transform entertainment and communications in mobile devices, at the cinema, at home, and at work. For more than50 years, sight and sound experiences have become more vibrant, clear, and powerful in Dolby^®. For more information, please visit www.dolby.com.

About Synchrony Bank:

Synchrony Financial (NYSE: SYF) is one of the nation’s premier consumer financial services companies. Their roots in consumer finance trace back to 1932, and today they are the largest provider of private label credit cards in the United States based on purchase volume and receivables.^* They provide a range of credit products through programs they have established with a diverse group of national and regional retailers, local merchants, manufacturers, buying groups, industry associations and healthcare service providers to help generate growth for our partners and offer financial flexibility to our customers. Through their partners’ over 350,000 locations across the United States and Canada, and their websites and mobile applications, they offer their customers a variety of credit products to finance the purchase of goods and services. Synchrony Financial (formerly GE Capital Retail Finance) offers private label and co-branded Dual Card^™ credit cards, promotional financing and installment lending, loyalty programs and FDIC-insured savings products through Synchrony Bank. More information can be found at http://www.synchronyfinancial.com, http://facebook.com/SynchronyFinancial and http://twitter.com/SYFNews.

^*Source: The Nilson Report (April, 2015, Issue # 1062) - based on 2014 data.

About Broadcom Foundation:

Broadcom Foundation inspires young people to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) through collaborations with community organizations, non-profits, educational institutions and universities that promote project-based learning. Broadcom Foundation's flagship program is the Broadcom MASTERS® — the premier science and engineering competition for middle school students around the world.

About Society For Science & the Public (SSP):

Society for Science & the Public is one of the nation’s oldest non-profit membership organizations dedicated to public engagement in science and science education. Established in 1921, the Society is a leading advocate for the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement. Through its acclaimed education competitions, including the Intel Science Talent Search, the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, and the Broadcom MASTERS, and its award-winning publications, Science News and Science News for Students, the Society is committed to inform, educate, and inspire. The Society reaches more than 15 million people online each year, has more than four million followers across its social media channels, and recognizes more than 50,000 alumni of its competitions. The Society is supported each year by about 90,000 subscribing members and donors as well as by leading corporations, foundations, and other institutions.