Celebrating Young Innovators at the Greater San Diego Science Fair
Highlighting Future Scientists and Engineers
The Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair (GSDSEF) recently held its 71st event, showcasing the extraordinary talents of middle and high school students in science and engineering disciplines. The fair took place at the Balboa Park Activity Center, with an awards ceremony that recognized exceptional projects and achievements in STEM. With a total of $40,000 awarded in scholarships and prizes, this event inspires students to continue their journeys in pursuing STEM careers.
Exciting Developments from the Awards Ceremony
This vibrant ceremony, held at The Observatory North Park, featured notable keynote speaker Ms. Vanitha Kumar, Senior Vice President at Qualcomm. The atmosphere was electric as students showcased their hard work and ingenuity. The top winners not only nabbed awards but also secured their spots in the prestigious California Science and Engineering Fair. Additionally, some students qualified for the International Science and Engineering Fair, marking a significant accomplishment in their academic careers.
A Special Acknowledgment
A heartfelt recognition was given to Ms. Karen Podvin for her remarkable 50 years of service as a judge at the GSDSEF. Her dedication has played a vital role in encouraging and shaping the future of countless young scientists.
Student Participation and Engagement
During the fair week, a special visitation day for students drew in several hundred attendees from local schools. This opportunity allowed them to engage with innovative projects, fostering an environment of inspiration and encouragement to pursue their interests in science and engineering. The successful completion of the fair culminated in a public showcase, where the community was invited to see firsthand the incredible work of the participating students, leaving many impressed.
Top Winning Projects at the Fair
The array of talent exhibited was truly astounding, and the winners demonstrated outstanding creativity and scientific rigor:
- Karishma Saha, 8th Grade, Bernardo Heights Middle School, Grand Award: Structural Brain Volume Differences Across Cognitive Aging Stages: Evidence from MRI.
- Uma Kattamuri, 6th Grade, Oak Valley Middle School, Grand Award: Effect of Increased CO2 Levels on CAM Plant Kalanchoe pH and Stomatal Density.
- Skye Kelsey, 8th Grade, The Children's School, Grand Award: First Runner Up, The Effect of Arthrospira Platensis on Plastic Degradation.
- Andy Feng & Henry Xu, 8th Grade, Pacific Trails Middle School, Grand Award: Second Runner Up, Mapping Invasive Species With A Drone And Machine Learning Algorithm.
- Saanvi Dogra, 11th Grade, Del Norte High School, Grand Award: Uncovering Molecular Mechanisms for Treatment of Congenital Heart Defects.
- Lilian Zeng, 11th Grade, Del Norte High School, Grand Award: Identifying Bacteriophages Against Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria.
- Anirudh Kalyanaraman, 12th Grade, Mt. Carmel High School, Grand Award: First Runner Up, Adverse Cardiovascular Effects of Burn Pit Exposure.
- Nupur Bhalla & Hannah Im, 11th Grade, Del Norte High School, Grand Award: Second Runner Up, Emotional Intelligence and Academic Burnout in Adolescents.
- Kayley Xu, 10th Grade, The Bishop's School, Grand Award: Wearable Stethoscope Array for Cardiopulmonary Sounds Diagnosis.
- Ryan Rezaei, 11th Grade, Canyon Crest Academy, Grand Award: Novel Material Discovery through Geometric Deep Learning.
- Tarik Oguz, 11th Grade, Del Norte High School, Grand Award: First Runner Up, miRNAs in Lung Cancer Detection.
- Joe Smith, 12th Grade, Stanford Online High School, Grand Award: Second Runner Up, Chemical Tagging of Magellanic Clouds.
Results and highlights from this year’s event showcase the brilliance and creativity of these young innovators, paving the way for their future in STEM.
About the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair
Since its inception in 1955, the GSDSEF has been a beacon of inspiration for thousands of students across the region. The fair motivates young minds to delve into independent research, encouraging them to ask challenging questions and seek innovative solutions. This landmark competition assembles 800 talented students, over 400 judges, and numerous organizations to recognize and reward exceptional achievements in the STEM fields.
The GSDSEF fosters an innovative environment, celebrating students' achievements and demonstrating how their research contributes to advancements that impact the community and beyond. The competition spans a variety of scientific disciplines, enabling participants to explore ground-breaking experiments and research opportunities. It is recognized as one of the oldest and most esteemed STEM competitions globally—a true testament to its longstanding commitment to science education.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair?
The GSDSEF is an annual event that showcases the scientific and engineering projects of middle and high school students from various schools.
How long has the fair been taking place?
The fair has been held since 1955, making it a long-established tradition in the San Diego area.
What awards are given at the fair?
Over $40,000 is awarded to outstanding students in scholarships and prizes, with many qualifying for further prestigious competitions.
Who participates in the fair?
Approximately 800 middle and high school students participate each year, presenting their independent research projects.
Why is the science fair important?
The science fair encourages students to pursue STEM careers, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that are essential in today's world.
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