Bian Li of Ankeny, Iowa, was awarded the John Chrystal Award during the World Food Prize Laureate Ceremony on October 18, 2001 at the Iowa State Capitol in Des Moines.
She received the Chrystal Award for her outstanding work as a 2000 World Food Prize Borlaug-Ruan International Intern at the International Center for Insect Physiology and Ecology in Nairobi, Kenya.
Bian worked under the mentorship of Dr. Z.R. Khan in the Gatsby Project for Biological Control of Stemborer and Striga Weed in Habitat Management – based at theMbita Point field station on Lake Victoria in Western Kenya – analyzing the influence of culture and gender on household food security.
A graduate of Ankeny High School, Bian attended the University of Iowa to study international business.
The John Chrystal Award was established in 2001 in the spirit of John Chrystal's commitment to enriching Iowa's relationship with the world and his belief that everyone is entitled to a sense of dignity and adequate food. The award is presented annually to the intern who most strongly reflects Mr. Chrystal’s commitment.
Bian was selected as a Borlaug-Ruan International Intern after participating in the World Food Prize Global Youth Institute in 1999. The Global Youth Institute provides high school students the opportunity to interact with Nobel and World Food Prize Laureates, connect with other student leaders from around the world, tour cutting-edge industrial and research facilities, and discuss pressing food security and agricultural issues with global leaders in science, industry and policy.
Bian received her award prior to the awarding of the 2001 World Food Prize to Dr. Per Pinstrup Andersen of Denmark.
VIEW BIAN LI'S PAPER