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

2025-2026 B.A.M. Student Voices

Throughout the Bahamas Awareness of Mangroves (B.A.M.) and Jamaica Awareness of Mangroves in Nature (J.A.M.I.N.) programs, we evaluate each phase of the mangrove education and restoration process to better understand how students are learning, growing, and connecting with their coastal environments.

Before the programs begin, students share what they already know about mangroves and how they feel about them. As the program progresses, we continue to gather feedback to see how their knowledge evolves from identifying mangrove species and understanding food webs to recognizing the role mangroves play in coastal protection and climate change mitigation.

But the surveys go beyond science content.

We also ask students…

Ten Years of B.A.M.: Rooted in Partnership, Growing in Purpose

Ten years ago, the Bahamas Awareness of Mangroves (B.A.M.) program began with a simple but meaningful commitment: to connect Bahamian students with the mangrove ecosystems that shape and protect their island home.

Since 2015, B.A.M. has been implemented in partnership with Friends of the Environment, whose dedication to environmental stewardship in Abaco has made this program possible year after year. Together, we have worked alongside Patrick J. Bethel High School and Forest Heights Academy to bring hands-on mangrove science into classrooms and out into the field.

What makes ten years remarkable is not just longevity — it is consistency…

Winners of the 2015 Science Without Borders® Challenge

Middle School Winners & Finalists:

High School Winners & Finalists:

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