A Mexicali High School student won gold in the National Biology Olympics, according to media reports.

La Crónica newspaper reported that Vania Cedillo was the only Baja California competitor in the tournament that allowed her to qualify to the world competition in Armenia.

The senior won first place in the state qualifiers in July.

About 180 students took part in the national tournament’s first stage that included 100 questions about infections, statistics, vegetables and biodiversity.

Of the 70 finalists a dozen students won gold, including Cedillo.

“I never imagined reaching this high,” the student said. “Biology started as a hobby (for me).” Cedillo plans to pursue a college career in molecular biology.