Dock Mennonite Academy Student Wins 1st Place at PJAS Regional Competition

Dock Mennonite Academy celebrates junior Eliza Qiu, who recently earned 1st place at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) regional competition held at Souderton Area High School.

Her achievement highlights the kind of STEM learning and project-based education students experience at Dock Mennonite Academy. For families searching for a private high school in Montgomery County, Bucks County, or the greater Philadelphia area, Eliza’s success shows how Dock students engage meaningful questions, develop strong research skills, and apply their learning to real-world challenges.

Real-World Science Research at a Private High School

Eliza’s research focuses on developing a more precise way to measure the hepatitis B virus in patients, a breakthrough that could help doctors better understand infections and guide treatment for people facing liver disease.

“Our research focuses on measuring cccDNA related to hepatitis B,” Eliza explained. “Right now doctors cannot accurately measure how much virus is in a patient’s body, so they often don’t know how serious the infection is. Our goal is to measure the virus more accurately so treatment can be more specific.”

Eliza began working on the project during the summer after her freshman year, spending long days in the laboratory learning experimental techniques and collecting data.

“Many procedures take hours and are very repetitive,” she said. “Patience was the most important thing I learned.”

This kind of hands-on research reflects the project-based learning approach at Dock Mennonite Academy, where students are encouraged to explore questions, conduct research, solve problems, and communicate their discoveries.

Rather than memorizing information for tests alone, Dock students learn to apply knowledge in meaningful ways—preparing them for college-level research, STEM careers, and lives of purpose.

Connecting Science, Faith, and Social Issues

Eliza also incorporated her research into a Social Issues class project, exploring both the scientific and social impact of hepatitis B. In many parts of the world, the disease still carries stigma, making accurate diagnosis and treatment even more important.

“In places like China, hepatitis B is often transmitted from mother to child,” Eliza explained. “Sometimes people with HBV are treated differently. If patients know they have recovered, it can reduce stigma and help them feel more accepted.”

The opportunity that launched this research came through an unexpected connection. Eliza met the scientist leading the laboratory through her church community.

“I never expected that my church connection would lead to this opportunity,” she reflected. “Looking back, I believe this experience was not accidental but the result of God’s guidance.”

This interdisciplinary learning reflects Dock’s mission to help students connect academic excellence with faith, service, and real-world impact.

For families exploring a Christian private school in Montgomery County or Bucks County, Dock offers an environment where students pursue academic rigor while asking deeper questions about how their learning can serve others.

Learn more about Dock Mennonite Academy’s High School Academics

Advancing to the PJAS State Competition

By placing first at regionals, Eliza has qualified for the PJAS state competition at Penn State University in May. The competition brings together some of Pennsylvania’s top high school researchers and provides students with an opportunity to present their work at a higher level.

The experience has also helped Eliza grow in confidence as a young scientist.

“When I first started, I made many mistakes and didn’t understand the procedures,” she said. “Later I learned more and eventually became someone who trained others in the lab.”

Dock teachers and mentors play an important role in supporting students through experiences like this, encouraging curiosity and helping students develop the skills needed to pursue complex research questions.

A Christian Private School That Helps Students Discover Their Gifts

At Dock Mennonite Academy, students from across Montgomery County, Bucks County, and the greater Philadelphia region benefit from an education that combines academic challenge, faith formation, and personal attention.

Through experiences like science competitions, project-based learning, and independent research, Dock students discover their gifts and learn how to use them with confidence and purpose.

Congratulations, Eliza, on this outstanding achievement. The Dock community celebrates with you and looks forward to cheering you on at Penn State.

Come See Your Child’s Story Begin at Dock

📌 Schedule a campus visit today at dock.org and discover how your child can grow in faith, purpose, and belonging. Schedule a tour today!

Join us on Saturday, April 11, 2026 from 12:30-2:30 pm for our Grades 9-12 Admissions Open House! Come and explore a place where teachers & staff go beyond expectations to ensure academic success and grow disciples of Christ! Register online and bring a friend!