DIAMOND BAR - Is it appropriate to use emerging synthetic genomic engineering technology to build new forms of "life"? Should genetic engineering techniques and processes be used in agriculture?

These were some of the issues debated by Brahma Tech students at Diamond Bar High last week. The great debate was part of a week of competition for the Technology Student Association.

The Brahmas recently became the first high school in California to join the national organization, according to technology teacher Alina Gallardo.

More than 150,000 middle and high school students throughout America belong to the association. Members learn about technology through competitions, events and conferences.

Sophomore Alice Jin spearheaded the effort to join the Technology Student Association.

"I found out about it on the Internet, then talked to my classmates about forming a local chapter," the 16-year-old explained.

Diamond Bar has more than 400 students in the Brahma Tech Academy. The academy is a specialized math, science and technology program with four career paths.

"Students also have to do 150-hour internships with high-tech companies," Gallardo explained.

It attracts students like 17-year-old Drew Liu. "I want to major in bioengineering in college," the senior said.

Liu was one of the group of students competing in technology week. Earlier, the techies made videos. Participants had to write, shoot and edit

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Students at Diamond Bar's Brahma Tech debate genomic engineering ethics