UTICA – The University of Utica hosted its 44th annual regional science fair on Saturday, April 1, bringing together some of the brightest students in the Mohawk Valley.
Students from the Clinton, Poland, Remsen, Rome, Utica, and Whitesboro school districts, as well as the Utica Academy of Sciences charter school, showcased their science projects in the Donahue Concourse, under the Frank E. Gannett Memorial Library.
Since 1978, the science fair has been held with a mission to strengthen math and science programs in the Mohawk Valley and encourage students to pursue their academic interests in STEM education.
Student projects were categorized from grades 7 and 8 at the junior level and from grades 9 to 12 at the senior level. Student projects were also categorized into three subjects: physical sciences, natural sciences and mathematics, engineering, and computer science.
Volunteer judges from local colleges, technology and research industries, as well as medical professionals and civilian and military personnel, reviewed each exhibited project before allowing the public into the viewing area. exhibition and learn about student projects.
“The future is very bright with all of you leading science and STEM,” Jessica Thomas told students attending this year’s science fair. Thomas, a biology professor at the University of Utica, is the director of the regional science fair.
Grand Champion Winners Grand Champion – Senior Level: “The effect of nonionic detergent NP-40 on pigment production and biofilm development in Pseudomonas uticensis” by Angelina Le, Utica City School District. Second Grand Champion – Senior Level: “Myco-tecture: Assessing the Strength of Mushroom Bricks” by Dennis van Hoesel, City of Rome School District. Grand Champion – Junior Level: “Noxious Neighbors” by Trent Jenny, Remsen Central School District. First Prize Winners Physical Science – Higher Level: “Oil-Be-Gone: Ecofriendly Oil Disposal Alternatives” by Karl van Hoesel, Rome City School District. Natural Science – Upper Level: “The effect of nonionic detergent NP-40 on pigment production and biofilm development in Pseudomonas uticensis” by Angelina Le, Utica City School District. Mathematics, Engineering and Computer Science – Higher Level: “Myco-tecture: Assessing the Strength of Mushroom Bricks” by Dennis van Hoesel, City of Rome School District. Physical Science – Junior Level: “Project Wind Power” by Jackson LaBella and James Lehman, Remsen Central School District. Natural Science – Junior Level: “Harmful Neighbors” by Trent Jenny, Remsen Central School District. Mathematics, Engineering & Computer Science – Junior Level: “Hot vs Cold: What Produces the Most Energy?” by Alanah Lawlor and Cynthia Poczatek, Remsen Central School District. Second Prize Winners Physical Sciences – Senior Level: “Prevention is better than cure!” by Emily Smith, Central School District of Poland. Natural Science – Higher Level: “When Life Gives You Berries” by Abdullah Shaik, City of Rome School District. Mathematics, Engineering and Computer Science – Higher Level: “Conduction Velocity of Metals” by Noah Long, Whitesboro Central School District. Physical Science – Junior Level: “Music in a Bottle” by Evalyn Gates and Alexis Stevens, Remsen Central School District. Natural Science – Junior Level: “The Backyard Poultry Music Test” by Brooklyn Helmer and Olivia Lalyer, Remsen Central School District. Mathematics, Engineering and Computer Science – Junior Level: “Plant Growth” by Jalyn Castleberry and Amazyn Edwards, Utica Academy of Science Charter School. Third Prize Winners Physical Science – Higher Level: “Our School’s Water” by Gemma Spadea, Clinton Central School District. Natural Sciences – Higher Level: “Bacteria on the most exposed places” by Karyn Castellano, Central School District of Poland. Physical Science – Junior Level: “The PVC Project” by Bryce Graves and Owen Piaschyk, Remsen Central School District. Natural Science – Junior Level: “Phobias” by Ellen Bowen and Mia Torre, Clinton Central School District. Mathematics, Engineering and Computer Science – Junior Level: “Squishy Robot Simulator” by Aysen Sann and Amier Win, Utica Academy of Science Charter School. Fourth Prize Winners Physical Science – Higher Level: “Optical Illusions” by Kadence Heinlein, Whitesboro Central School District. Natural Science – Level Up: “How well does your mouthwash kill bacteria?” by Jack Hoffman, Central School District of Poland. Physical Science – Junior Level: “Water Works” by Kade Haver, Poland Central School District. Natural Science – Junior Level: “Diabetes: Insulin vs. Metformin” by Emily Spatto, Remsen Central School District. Mathematics, Engineering and Computer Science – Junior Level: “Wind Turbine Model” by Robert Furch and Maximilian Moo, Utica Academy of Science Charter School.
First through fourth place winners received cash prizes ranging from $25 to $100 and a certificate, medal and ribbon recognizing their achievements. The Grand Champion – Junior Level winner received a $500 scholarship to the University of Utica for one year, along with a trophy and certificate. The second great champion – senior level received a half-tuition scholarship to the University of Utica for one year, as well as a trophy and a certificate. The Grand Champion – Senior Level received a half-tuition scholarship to the University of Utica for two years, along with a trophy and certificate.
As the winner of the university’s Grand Champion – Senior Level award, Angelina Le will also be invited to attend the Regeneron 2023 International Science and Engineering Expo in Dallas, Texas next month. The University of Utica will sponsor her and a chaperone to participate in the event. If Le cannot participate, Dennis van Hoesel, the finalist, will be invited to compete.
“I hope all of this is a moment in time from your young scientific careers that will encourage you to continue to think critically and reflectively about the world around you,” said Todd Pfannestiel, provost and vice president of the University of Utica, to students. . “It is your efforts here today that empower you to act responsibly for a better community throughout your life.”
