From classroom to IBO 2024 in Kazakhstan

Sergio Alejandro Cruz Martínez, a UANL student, is part of the Mexican delegation that will participate in the International Biology Olympiad in Kazakhstan.

From an early age, Sergio exhibited a keen interest in science. Although his path was unclear, his curiosity drove him to observe insects and explore plants during his childhood.

In junior high school, the young man discovered the subject of biology in detail, but when he reached high school, he was surrounded by teachers who introduced him to the study of life. Today, at 17 years of age, Sergio Alejandro Cruz Martínez will represent the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León in the International Biology Olympiad.

Since elementary school, I remember being very curious and interested in everything around me. I couldn’t fully explore this interest until high school, when I had biology for all semesters. That’s when my passion for science truly began to develop,” recalled the recent graduate of the UANL Center for Research and Development in Bilingual Education.

The thirty-fifth edition of the International Biology Olympiad took place in Kazakhstan from July 7 to 14, with students from 80 countries participating. Mexico was represented by four students, including Sergio, who will proudly represent the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León.

An Olympic challenge

In Sergio’s words, the level of the Olympiad represents a challenge that goes beyond any knowledge gained in high school, surpassing even the learning acquired by biology students.

Preparation sessions with Professor Manuel Torres from the UANL School of Biological Sciences enabled him to qualify at both the state and national levels, ultimately positioning him as one of the top four students in the country.

In Kazakhstan, Sergio Alejandro will put to the test all the knowledge he has acquired in cell and molecular biology, plant and animal anatomy and physiology, genetics, evolution, ecology, biosystematics, and ethology.

It’s a very extensive syllabus, making it challenging to master all aspects of biology completely. What I enjoy most is genetics, as it involves mathematical probabilities that come naturally to me. I also find subjects like ecology, animal biology, and molecular biology quite interesting.”

Sergio Alejandro Cruz Martínez