Louis Reis, who graduated from Louisiana Tech University last Saturday, is featured on the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy blog as one of just 14 students in the country that graduated as 2011 Grand Challenges Scholars. Coinciding with the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s call for a commitment to “landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to Earth,” the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy is honoring the Grand Challenge Scholars and their efforts to find solutions to some of the most important problems facing America in the 21st century. The blog article recognizes Reis, a duel-major in biomedical and chemical engineering, for his Grand Challenge focus of “engineering better medicine.”  It also talks about his experience in Louisiana Tech’s TOP DAWG Business Plan Competition and his application for a patent and Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant for a first-line continuous glucose monitoring technology that he developed as a student at Tech. Reis, along with Stephanie Parker, an electrical engineering major, represent the Louisiana Tech contingent of 2011 Grand Challenge Scholar graduates.  Other graduates came from Duke University and Olin College. “The Grand Challenge Scholars Program provides students with the opportunity to expand their educational experience to include a focus on global issues, service and entrepreneurship,” said Dr. Jenna Carpenter, associate dean for administration and strategic initiatives in Louisiana Tech’s College of Engineering and Science. Together with the interdisciplinary focus on engineering and science that is Louisiana Tech’s hallmark, the Grand Challenge Scholars Program uniquely equips students with the skills and vision to be leaders in addressing the complex issues facing our nation in the 21st century.” Louisiana Tech is home to one of 41 Grand Challenges Scholars programs either operating or in development in the United States. The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy blog posting featuring Reis can be seen at http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/05/25/america-s-students-step-challenge.