Published August 01, 2018 by Tom Porter

Bowdoin’s Danahy Mentors Gold-Winning Chemistry Olympiad Team

A team of US high school students has won four gold medals at this year’s International Chemistry Olympiad in Europe. Senior lecturer Danahy is one of the team’s three mentors.
Michael Danahy (far left) with team USA (students and mentors) at the Olympiad opening ceremony in Bratislava
Michael Danahy (far left) with team USA (students and mentors) at the Olympiad opening ceremony in Bratislava. Photo: John Kiappas.

A team of US high school students has won four gold medals at the International Chemistry Olympiad—thanks in part to Bowdoin lecturer Michael Danahy. Senior Lecturer in Chemistry Danahy is one of the team’s three mentors, all of whom accompanied the students to this year’s Olympiad, reports Chemical and Engineering News (CEN).

The contest was held in Slovakia and the Czech Republic between July 19 and July 29, 2018. This is the second year in a row the US has won four golds, according to CEN. The only other country to win four golds this year was China. Head mentor Christine Saiber describes this year as “the highest performance we’ve ever had in the competition,” with strong performances in both the theory and the practical sides of the event.