Reef Relationships

May 1, 2015

Written by Liz Thompson

Winners of the 2015 Science Without Borders® Challenge

The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation is proud to showcase the winning entries of the 2015 Science Without Borders® Challenge, an international art competition that inspires students to creatively raise awareness of ocean conservation issues. This year’s theme, Reef Relationships, highlighted the intricate connections between coral reef species, as well as the vital relationship between humans and the reefs. The competition saw over 150 entries from 17 countries, including Hungary, India, Kenya, and New Zealand, with middle school students representing more than half of the participants.

The first-place winner in the middle school category was Rachel Shen from Ontario, Canada, for her piece Preserve to Survive the Struggles. Inspired by a snorkeling trip to Hawaii, Rachel’s artwork emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between corals and marine life. In the high school category, Michelle Huang from Texas, USA, took first place with Treasure Reef, a poignant depiction of the responsibility we bear in protecting the natural world. Both artists, along with the other winners, used their creativity to call attention to the importance of coral reefs in sustaining marine biodiversity.

Through the Science Without Borders® Challenge, the Foundation aims to inspire the next generation of environmental advocates by fostering a deeper connection to our oceans. The stunning artwork submitted not only showcases the beauty of coral reefs but also highlights the pressing need to protect and conserve these vital ecosystems.

Middle School Winners & Finalists:

Natasha Chen, Age 12, Markham, Ontario, Canada; Coral Reef Struggles

Nandor Hoppal, Age 11, Berettyoujfalu, Hungary; Life in Fiji

Shaw-Zong Hsueh, Age 15,Houtson, TX; Underwater Harmony

Caroline Mo, Age 13, Markham, Ontario, Canada; The Throne of Protection

Claire Qu, Age 12, Sugar Land, TX; Ocean at Nightfall

Nityashri Sankaran, Age 11, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Protect the Colourful Seabed

Amy Son, Age 12, Cherry Hill, NJ; Wonders of the Creatures Below

Naomi Valdez, Age 14, Hallandale Beach, FL; Symbiosis on a Canvas

Catherine Zheng, Age 12, Parsippany, NJ; Coral Reef Companions

High School Winners & Finalists:

Hyeonwoo Cho, Age 17, New York, NY; Sinking Feeling

Katherine Lee, Age 17, Tampa, FL; Will Work for Food

YouJin Lee, Age 17, Glendale, CA; Untitled

Wanlu Liu, Age 16, Richmond, BC, Canada; Translucent Dream

Allyssa Park, Age 16, Irvine, CA; Life in the Corals

Jiho Park, Age 19, New Hyde Park, NY; Disappear

Aishani Sil, Age 14, Plano, TX; Protective Parrotfish – Key to Coral Reef Survival

Adriana Taboada, Age 16, New York, NY; Vibrant Co-existence

Jamia Mei Tolentino, Age 16, Manila, Philippines; Untitled

Jill Chloe Tolentino, Age 15, Manila, Philippines; Untitled

Jiseong Yoon, Age 16, Seongnam, Korea; They Live, We Live

Hoseong Yun, Age 15, Aberdeen, United Kingdom; The Harmony of Coral Reefs

Connecting People, Art, and Oceans: Championing Conservation at the 2025 IUCN Congress

The IUCN World Conservation Congress brings together thousands of leaders and decision-makers from governments, non-profit organizations, civil society, Indigenous groups, and the private sector to shape global conservation policy and action. This influential gathering serves as a platform to share knowledge, build partnerships, and advance initiatives that protect our planet’s biodiversity.

As a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation was honored to take part in the Congress, joining a global community of leaders, organizations, and changemakers committed to protecting nature and advancing sustainable futures.

Take the Pledge to Navigate with Care

Every voyage leaves a mark. Whether you’re steering a small recreational boat, running a dive operation, or captaining a commercial vessel, the way you navigate the seas matters—not just for your safety, but for the health of our oceans. The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation, in partnership with the International Foundation for Aids to Navigation (IFAN), launched the Navigate with Care campaign to help mariners around the world protect what matters most: our safety, our vessels, and the marine ecosystems that sustain life on Earth.

Winners of the 2015 Science Without Borders® Challenge

Middle School Winners & Finalists:

High School Winners & Finalists:

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Connecting People, Art, and Oceans: Championing Conservation at the 2025 IUCN Congress

Take the Pledge to Navigate with Care