This study, supported by the California Walnut Commission and published in The Journal of Nutrition, used a novel approach, agnostic machine-learning, to identify 19 metabolites that were associated with walnut consumption.

Attaining the honor in the history category, Ms. El-Chal’s essay was about whether or not a state’s strength is a prerequisite or an obstacle for economic growth. Ms. El-Chal included several case studies from past governments as well as current global issues. Countries specifically highlighted within the essay included Lebanon, Japan, the Maldives, and Nigeria.