The 26th annual Greater Capital Region Science and Engineering Fair was held on campus March 19 and 185 area middle and high school students participated. The annual event is sponsored by the Greater Capital Region Science and Engineering Fair Inc., with help from the Science Teachers Association of New York State (STANYS). The event has been hosted at Rensselaer for 26 years with support from faculty, students, and staff, as well as from the School of Science and the Office of Admissions.
Deena Mousa from Emma Williard won a $40,000 Scholarship to attend Rensselaer. She is pictured with Joan Wagner, fair director, and Wilfredo Colon, associate dean of science at Rensselaer.
Working alone or in teams of up to three individuals, students showcased their latest research in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
“This is a wonderful opportunity to share a student’s passion for the STEM disciplines and to be recognized for their endeavor,” said STANYS Fair Director Joan Wagner. “Students are encouraged to focus on original research by working with mentors and/or teachers from the scientific community at large within the greater Capital Region.”
Student participants use a storyboard to present their research to judges, who are all scientists and engineers. They also provide judges with a copy of their abstract and research paper.
“The students who devote their time and energy to doing projects for the Science Fair are among the best and the brightest,” said Samuel Wait Jr. ’53, former associate dean of the School of Science and professor of chemistry at Rensselaer, who has served as a judge for the fair. “Their enthusiasm is very evident. I also commend the teachers and mentors who guide these students. It is a pleasure to know that Rensselaer is encouraging their development as leaders of the future.”
This year’s keynote speaker was Sandra Nierzwicki-Bauer, professor of biology and director of the Darrin Fresh Water Institute.