Year 12 student, Lakshmi Purushothaman, has been recognised on the Honours List in the 2026 Immerse Education Essay Competition, which is a global academic writing competition that attracts thousands of entries from students around the world.
Lakshmi's essay, titled “Discuss the ethical implications of gene editing technologies like CRISPR in human medicine," explored the delicate balance between medical advancement and ethical responsibility. Her work examined how gene editing could eliminate diseases such as sickle cell anaemia and hearing loss, while also raising important questions about genetic diversity, consent, and cultural identity.
The judging panel commended Lakshmi's essay for its “thoughtful ideas, analytical development, and emerging academic voice," placing her among a select group of international students recognised for academic excellence and intellectual curiosity.
Lakshmi will now receive a formal Honours List certificate and be invited to join the Immerse Education Honours Webinar Series, designed to support the continued academic development of high-achieving students.
QAHS congratulates Year 12 student Lakshmi Purushothaman on this outstanding accomplishment and her commitment to exploring the ethical dimensions of emerging technologies in human medicine.
Dion Obst
HOD Global Connect