At Bethany Christian Schools, we often say we’re preparing students to participate in God’s work in the world. Few stories embody that mission more powerfully than that of Jon Zehr.
Recently, Jon was awarded the prestigious Newcomb Cleveland Prize by the American Association for the Advancement of Science—an honor reserved for the most impactful research published in the journal Science. His groundbreaking work led to the discovery of a previously unknown ocean plant cell, a microscopic game-changer that could one day revolutionize farming.
Yes, farming—by learning from the way these newly discovered cells process nitrogen, scientists now believe we might help crops grow with fewer fertilizers, making agriculture more sustainable worldwide. From the ocean’s depths to the future of our soil, Jon’s research is reshaping what we thought possible.
His study not only earned the cover story in Science, but also sparked national attention, including a feature on NPR.
But here at Bethany, we celebrate something deeper: the curiosity and courage Jon has carried since his days in our classrooms.
Congratulations, Jon!