Joining Merlo and Barrera were students Jennifer Garcia and Alejandro Murad, under the guidance of University of Havana professors Gerardo Ojeda and Rafael Rodriguez.

PhD. Ojeda was also elected as a representative to the event’s international Executive Committee, marking the first time a Cuban has received this honor.

Ojeda told Prensa Latina that with this Olympiad, Barrera and Merlo conclude their competitive cycle as two of the students who have brought the most international accolades to their country.

Both medal-winning students, who are finishing their pre-university education, have chosen to specialize in Chemistry at the University of Havana.

He also noted that all members of the Cuban team showed great potential and prepared well—despite the difficulties the country is facing—especially given that the Uzbekistan Olympiad is a highly prestigious and high-level competition.

Both Merlo and Barrera also won bronze medals earlier this year at the 60th International Mendeleev Chemistry Olympiad, held at Lomonosov Moscow State University.

jdt/las/gfa