VIRTUAL 2.0, 2021 - HONDA - 73RD ANNUAL - The Ohio Academy of Science
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73RD ANNUAL
VIRTUAL 2.0, 2021
SPONSORED BY
HONDA
ARIEL CORPORATION | BMI FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What is State Science Day? ..............................................2
About the Sponsors ............................................................3
Welcome and Jr. Academy Council Districts ...............5
Acknowledgment of Supporters ......................................7
Officials ...................................................................................9
2021 Multi-Year Students ..................................................10
2020 State Science Day 7-Year Awards ........................10
2020 State Science Day Awards ...............................11-14
Scholarships and Sponsored Awards ......................16-17
Roster of Sponsored Award Judges .......................18-20
Letter to a Young Scientist .......................................22-23
Commentary .......................................................................24
Roster of Academy Judges ......................................26-28
State Science Day Reflections ........................................31
The Ohio Journal of Science ..........................................35
Roster of Student Exhibitors .....................................37-55
Pre-College Student STEM Opportunities ...........58-59
OAS Annual Meeting Invitation ......................................60
State Science Day, 2017
Printing courtesy of:
Copyediting and design—Philip Winchell,
STEM Education Support Services
This publication was produced by The Ohio Academy of Science and is available on the web at ohiosci.org/ssd/. Printed in the United States
of America. Copyright © 2021 by The Ohio Academy of Science. All rights reserved. Except for purposes of literary review or for classroom use
by teachers or students, no part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including
photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without written permission from The Ohio Academy of Science.
The Ohio Academy of Science 1
WHAT IS STATE SCIENCE DAY?
Now in its 73rd year and with more than 60,000 alumni,
State Science Day is the pinnacle of student originated,
inquiry-based science education for Ohio’s students. The
academic equivalent of a state athletic championship,
this year’s event is one of the largest of its kind in the
nation. Drawing upon a base of over 25,000 students,
622 students in grades 5–12 from 174 schools will be
evaluated on their scientific research and communication
skills. They will compete for nearly 100 different
scholarships and awards valued at nearly $400,000.
Individuals will be recognized and several sponsors
will also present awards to members of team research
projects.
First held in 1949, the 73rd Annual State Science Day
is sponsored by: The Ohio Academy of Science, The
American Electric Power Foundation, Battelle Memorial
Institute, CAS, Charles River Laboratories, Kokosing, Ohio
EPA–The Ohio Environmental Education Fund, and the
Ohio Tuition Trust Authority–College Advantage.
ohiosci.org/ssd/
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL
EXHIBITORS
The investment of time in pursuing an independent
research project in science pays generous returns to
each student. By honoring hundreds of projects with
nearly $400,000 in sponsored awards and scholarships,
we seek to honor all exhibitors for their hard work.
Please accept our sincere congratulations on your
outstanding work and our encouragement to continue
your interest in scientific research. Thank you for
participating in this year’s State Science Day.
MICHAEL E. WOYTEK, Executive Director
FUTURE SSD DATES
To Be Announced
2 State Science Day - Virtual 2.0, 2021
ABOUT THE SPONSORS
AMERICAN ELECTRIC POWER a steadfast partner to our clients, from early molecule discovery
to IND submissions. For more than 70 years we have seen
FOUNDATION technologies advance and new diseases emerge. To address
The American Electric Power Foundation is funded by American these challenges, Charles River has carefully grown our portfolio
Electric Power and its utility operating units. The Foundation of companies so that we can strategically anticipate tomorrow’s
provides a permanent, ongoing resource for charitable initiatives drug development needs. While we can’t predict what the future
involving higher dollar values and multi-year commitments in holds, we continue to kindle the spark that inspired our founding:
the communities served by AEP and initiatives outside of AEP’s an urgency to advance human health by supporting our clients’
11-state service area. The Foundation focuses on improving research, every step of the way. | criver.com
lives through education from early childhood through higher
education in the areas of science, technology, engineering
and math, and by meeting basic needs for emergency shelter, KOKOSING
affordable housing and the elimination of hunger. Other Kokosing is one of the largest family-owned construction
foundation support may be offered to protect the environment, companies in the Midwest. Kokosing’s primary business
support healthcare and safety, and enrich life through art, music lines include industrial, transportation, buildings, pipelines,
and cultural heritage. | aep.com environmental and marine work. Additionally, Kokosing owns
construction material supply companies. Known for unwavering
BATTELLE integrity and exceptional safety and quality, Kokosing’s
companies provide extensive resources for its customers.
Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology
Together with our team members, we invest our time and
to solving what matters most. At major technology centers
financial resources in the communities where we live and work.
and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts
We strive to be socially and environmentally responsible and
research and development, designs and manufactures products,
make a meaningful impact. | kokosing.biz
and delivers critical services for government and commercial
customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Battelle serves
customers in the national security, health and life sciences, and OEPA - THE OHIO ENVIRONMENTAL
energy and environmental industries. Battelle also is one of
the nation’s leading charitable trusts focusing on societal and EDUCATION FUND
economic impact, vigorously supporting and promoting science, The Ohio Environmental Education Fund (OEEF), which is
technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education. administered by Ohio EPA’s Office of Environmental Education,
Battelle believes STEM education is an urgent national provides grants for projects that increase awareness and
priority that requires bold goals, higher standards and greater understanding of environmental issues in Ohio. | epa.ohio.gov/oee
accountability in our educational system to better prepare our
nation’s K-12 students for careers in science and technology that
ultimately enhance the U.S. innovation enterprise. | battelle.org
OHIO TUITION TRUST AUTHORITY -
COLLEGE ADVANTAGE, OHIO’S 529
CAS COLLEGE SAVINGS PLAN
CAS, a division of the American Chemical Society (ACS), was Recognizing the importance of higher education, Ohio became
founded in 1907. Chemists around the world understood the one of the first states in the country to offer a 529 college
value to research, in aggregating scientific information. Today savings plan, starting in 1989. CollegeAdvantage, Ohio’s 529
we are a global organization of expert scientists, technologists, Savings Program, encourages families nationwide to start
and business leaders with a long and successful history of saving for future college costs in a tax-advantaged manner that
harnessing scientific information opportunities. We provide can build the account. Ohio’s 529 plan offers tax-free growth,
trusted information solutions, including SciFinder®, STN® tax-free withdrawals for qualified higher education expenses,
and custom services; for industry, government and academic and a deduction in state income taxes for 529 contributions per
institutions. | cas.org beneficiary, per year, for residents of Ohio. CollegeAdvantage
sponsors two plans, the Direct 529 Plan or Advisor 529 Plan,
that provide multiple investment options, including ready-
CHARLES RIVER LABORATORIES made, age-based or ready-made, risk-based portfolios and
At Charles River we are passionate about our role in improving FDIC-insured banking options. Contributions can start as
the quality of people’s lives. Our mission, the excellent science low as $25 and there’s no fee to open a Direct 529 account.
that we perform, and our strong sense of purpose, guides us in CollegeAdvantage is Ohio’s 529 College Savings Plan, but the
all that we do. We approach each day with the knowledge that account can be used at almost any school that a child dreams to
our research helps to improve the health and well-being of many attend. Funds in a 529 plan can be used in state, out of state, or
individuals across the globe. Charles River Laboratories, which out of country, at any university, college, or technical school that
started as a one-man research models company, has grown into accepts federal financial aid. CollegeAdvantage is consistently
the world’s largest preclinical contract research organization with highly rated by trusted industry resources such as Morningstar
a network of facilities across North America, Europe and Asia. and SavingForCollege.com. | collegeadvantage.com
This includes three laboratories in Ohio; Ashland, Cleveland and
Spencerville. The worldwide support network allows us to act as
The Ohio Academy of Science 3
Future
Scientists
Start at
Columbus
State
• Future Scientists of Ohio Scholars
Program offers full tuition scholarships
for qualified students
• STEM Club provides guest speakers and
field trips to explore STEM careers
• Small class sizes and dedicated faculty
help students master STEM concepts
• Preferred Pathway partners provide
guaranteed acceptance and credit
transfer toward a bachelor’s degree
cscc.edu/STEM
4 State Science Day - Virtual 2.0, 2021
WELCOME AND JR. ACADEMY COUNCIL DISTRICTS
WELCOME
By Mr. Rodney Sheets, President, The Ohio Academy of Science
Welcome to State Science Day!
As everyone knows, the world went through some very difficult times in 2020. Last year, in order to protect
the health and safety of hundreds of students, educators, parents, judges, and sponsors, The Ohio Academy of
Science quickly pivoted to a virtual format for 2020 State Science Day to adjust to the ‘new normal’. In 2021,
since meeting face-to-face is still not in the best interest of attendees, we will continue with a virtual format. We
hope that with continued vigilance, the pandemic will continue to subside in the next few months and 2022 State
Science Day will return to a face-to-face format.
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics has brought us many great advancements, and thankfully,
we are a society of critical thinkers who can use STEM to adapt to a changing world. I welcome your contributions
to that society and hope that the events of 2020 and continuing into 2021 only heighten your passion and
enthusiasm for STEM to solve the world’s problems.
I want to welcome you and thank you for being a part of the 2021 State Science Day. We hope that a virtual 2021
State Science Day will go as smoothly as 2020, but please be patient if technological issues present themselves.
Regardless of the format, we are coming together to learn….and celebrate how science and technology can
transform our world into a better place. Enjoy the experience!
JUNIOR ACADEMY COUNCIL DISTRICTS
District 1 – Edison District 4 – District 9 – Zane District 13 –
State Community Ashland University 2021 District Science Days State College University of
College Ashland https://www.ohiosci.org/2021-district-state-science-day Coshocton Mount Union
Champaign Erie Guernsey Carroll
Darke Holmes Monroe Stark
Miami Huron Muskingum Tuscarawas
Shelby Lorain Noble
Medina Washington District 14 –
District 2 – Richland University of Rio
University of Wayne District 10 – Grande
Toledo Central State Gallia
Defiance District 5 – University Lawrence
Fulton University of Clark Pike
Henry Akron Greene Scioto
Lucas Cuyahoga Montgomery
Ottawa Geauga District 15 –
Sandusky Lake District 11 – Youngstown State
Williams Portage University of University
Wood Summit Cincinnati Ashtabula
Butler Columbiana
District 3 - OSU District 6 – Clermont Mahoning
Marion Ohio Northern Hamilton Trumbull
Crawford University Preble
Knox Allen Warren District 16 –
Marion Auglaize Belmont College
Morrow Hancock District 12 – Ohio Belmont
Union Hardin University Harrison
Wyandot Logan Athens Jefferson
Delaware* Mercer Hocking
*Schools from Big Walnut Paulding Jackson District 17 –
SD, Dublin SD and
Westerville SD Putnam District 7 – Columbus District 8 – Ohio Meigs Southern State
attend District 7 Science Seneca State Community University Morgan Community
Day Van Wert Ross College
College Lancaster
Franklin* Fairfield Vinton Adams
Madison Licking Brown
*Schools from Big Walnut SD, Perry Clinton
Dublin SD and Westerville SD Fayette
attend District 7 Science Day Pickaway
Highland
The Ohio Academy of Science | 5930 Wilcox Place Ste. F | Dublin, OH 43016 | Phone: 614-389-2182 | Email: info@ohiosci.org
The Ohio Academy of Science 5
We support the development of
the next generation of scientists
and health practitioners.
The Research Institute’s Trainee Association (RITA) is proud to sponsor the 5th Annual
RITA Biomedical Research Award for high school students studying biomedical science or
biobehavioral health.
RITA is comprised of graduate students, postdoctoral scientists and fellows in the Abigail
Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
The innovation and dedication of more than 100 trainees and over 200 investigators make
Nationwide Children’s a research leader in Ohio and around the world.
We’re proud to support the next generation of scientists and the future of child health.
Discover more at NationwideChildrens.org/research
W271142
6 State Science Day - Virtual 2.0, 2021
ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF SUPPORTERS
TITLE SPONSORS INDIVIDUAL SPONSORS
AEP Foundation Mr. F. John Kluth
Battelle —Buckeye Science and Engineering Fair
CAS – A division of the American Chemical Society Ms. Patricia Stratton
Charles River Laboratories —Buckeye Science and Engineering Fair
Kokosing Ms. Gwen Sailer
Ohio EPA – Ohio Environmental Education Fund —In memory of Harold C. Shaw
Ohio Tuition Trust Authority – College Advantage, Mrs. Carolyn Shaw-Lowry
Ohio's 529 College Saving Plan —In memory of Harold C. Shaw
Ms. Dorothy Adamescu
GENERAL SPONSORS —State Science Day Fund
Honda Mr. & Mrs. Max Carone
—State Science Day Fund
Mr. Curt D. Cooley
COMMUNITY SPONSORS —State Science Day Fund
BMI Federal Credit Union
Mr. James Crofoot
Ariel Corporation
—State Science Day Fund
Mr. & Mrs. David & Linda Dunlap
FRIENDS OF STATE SCIENCE DAY —State Science Day Fund
Mr. & Mrs. Richard Hinig Ms. Laura Eizember
Mr. Thomas Richmond —State Science Day Fund
Rumpke Waste and Recycling Dr. Martin E. English, DVM
—State Science Day Fund
Thank You
Mr. Robert Gemin
—State Science Day Fund
Mr. Brian Geniusz
Sponsors ! —State Science Day Fund
Mr. & Mrs. Asad Khan
—State Science Day Fund
Mr. Lloyd Owens
—State Science Day Fund
Mr. Ronald E. Pilatowski
HOW TO BECOME A SPONSOR —State Science Day Fund
Mr. Robert E. Rohrbaugh
If you, your company, foundation, or organization are
interested in providing title sponsorship, general support, —State Science Day Fund
exhibits, scholarships, or sponsored awards, please contact: Mr. Larry A. Tornes
Michael E. Woytek, Executive Director —State Science Day Fund
The Ohio Academy of Science Mr. & Mrs. James & Janet Williams
5930 Wilcox Pl., Suite F
Dublin, OH 43016
—State Science Day Fund
Phone: (614) 389-2182
Fax: (614) 389-2470
E-mail: mwoytek@ohiosci.org
Website: ohiosci.org
The Ohio Academy of Science 7
Promoting STEM in Ohio
The Ohio Technology and Engineering Educators Association celebrates
some of the many groups in Ohio that bring STEM activities to All Ohioans.
www.oteea.org
Get Involved! Join us in upcoming events!
8 State Science Day - Virtual 2.0, 20212021 OFFICIALS
THE OHIO ACADEMY OF
SCIENCE OFFICIALS
President: Mr. Rodney Sheets
President Elect: Mr. Charles Flower
Past President: Dr. Vicki Motz
Executive Director: Mr. Michael Woytek
Treasurer: Mr. Pete Harlan
Secretary: Mrs. Angela McMurry
Junior Academy Council Director: Dr. Martin English
State Science Day Chair of Judging: Mrs. Angela
McMurry
The Ohio Academy of Science Administrative Assistant: Mrs. Dorie Gruber
5930 Wilcox Pl. • Suite F • Dublin OH 43016
Phone 614-389-2182 • Fax 614-389-2470 Administrative Assistant: Ms. Alyson Gruber
info@ohiosci.org • https://www.ohiosci.org
Fostering curiosity, discovery and
innovation to benefit society.
State Science Day, 2017
The Ohio Academy of Science 92021 MULTI-YEAR STUDENTS
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR 2021 MULTI-YEAR STUDENTS
Each year, the Academy recognizes the students who achieve State Science Day attendance for four years or
more. Congratulations to these students as this is an incredibly difficult honor to achieve. Student names are listed
alphabetically followed by grade level.
8-year Awardee 5-year Awardees 4-year Awardees 4-year (cont.)
Aurora Fares, 12 Laalitya Acharya, 12 Asantewa Bonna, 11 Himani Pattisam, 12
Ainsley Beckler, 9 Kennedy Brehm, 10 Marissa Shook, 10
7-year Awardees Charley Clyne, 9 Emily Carr, 8 Dana Stan, 8
Emily Kruse, 12 Dawson Forbush, 10 Snehal Choudhury, 11 Danica Stoffer, 8
Lisa Sebastian, 12 Carsyn Hagans, 11 Andrew Ciccotelli, 12
Adam Khan, 9 Caylee Combs, 12
6-year Awardees Matthew Mayhan, 12 Enna Eastman, 9
Noor A. Abukaram, 12 Jake McCarthy, 11 Luca Gagliano, 10
Emma Conners, 12 Sanchita Paranthaman, 12 William Hunt, 10
Dasha Crocker, 12 Neeti Prasad, 12 Sohum Kapadia, 12
Serena Kataria, 11 Julie Sebastian, 9 Bela Karajagi, 11
Lohith Savardekar, 12 John Shin, 10 Abigail May, 12
Emily Swope, 10 Brynn McGrail, 12
Mihir Vador, 11 Sadhil Mehta, 8
Wyatt Vick, 9 Lauren Menke, 12
Viviana Wheeler, 11 Grace Moon, 11
73rd Virtual
Ash Williams, 12 Bryn Morgan, 10 Annual 2.0
2020 STATE SCIENCE DAY 7-YEAR AWARDEES
The 2020 SSD 7-Year Awardees. Ms. Aurora Fares, Canfield HS (left); Mr. Rohit Kataria, Wheelersburg HS (center); Ms. Cassidy Smith, Bloom Carroll
HS (right). NOTE: All awardee pictures taken, at their projects, during the 2019 State Science Day.
10 State Science Day - Virtual 2.0, 20212020 STATE SCIENCE DAY AWARDS
2020 DR. LYNN E. ELFNER YOUNG SCIENTIST AWARDEES
The 2020 Dr. Lynn E. Elfner Young Scientist awardees selected for outstanding projects in grades 5 to 8. All received
a superior award. Student names are listed alphabetically followed by grade level.
Awardee, Grade Awardee, Grade (cont.) Awardee, Grade (cont.)
Ethan Alter, 6 Jad Hinch, 6 Ellen Salvucci, 6
Tarun Batchu, 6 Abby Hohlbein, 7 Julie Sebastian, 8
Mira Bechtol, 7 Carson Jackson, 6 Grace Sheets, 8
Nathan Canter, 5 Arisha Johri, 5 Aviraj Soin, 5
Giancarlo Cefaratti, 7 Suhaas Katta, 5 Olivia Stephens, 5
Fabi Corso, 8 Alexander Kistler, 7 Elias Stienecker, 6
Caleigh Coyle, 8 Joscelyn Layman, 8 Taylor Strilesky, 8
Corey Davis, 6 Annie McGill, 8 Maya Tang, 7
Samuel DeVylder, 7 Brendan McPheron, 8 JoAnn Thompson, 6
Evelyn DiSalvo, 5 Sadhil Mehta, 7 Mary Tokodi-Ruth, 8
Luke Fleeman, 5 Alexis Miller, 6 Ryland Wehr, 5
Michael Ge, 7 Matthew Muntean, 7 Matthias Wenning, 7
Bethany George, 5 Jospehine O'Malley, 5 Maguire Werntz, 5
Wyatt German, 7 Hayley Phillips, 6 Alex Wiseman-Esparza, 6
Shreyas Gorthy, 6 Quinn Rader, 6
Hala Hinch, 6 Valerie Rindler, 8
THE 2020 GOVERNOR’S THOMAS EDISON AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE
IN STEM EDUCATION AND STUDENT RESEARCH
Anderson High School, Cincinnati Litchfield Middle School, Akron
Anna High School, Anna Miller South School for the Visual & Performing Arts, Akron
Archbishop Alter High School, Kettering Mother Teresa Catholic Elementary School, Liberty Twp.
Bellbrook Middle School, Bellbrook National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM HS, Akron
Big Walnut Intermediate School, Sunbury National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM MS, Akron
Bishop Flaget School, Chillicothe Oakstone Academy, Westerville
Bishop John King Mussio Central JHS, Steubenville Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School, Ottawa Hills
Bishop Leibold East & West Campus, Dayton Saint Albert The Great, North Royalton
Buchtel Community Learning Center, Akron Saint Ambrose Catholic School, Brunswick
Carroll High School, Dayton St Francis Xavier Catholic School, Medina
Dayton Christian School, Miamisburg St Mary School Immaculate Conception, Wooster
East Community Learning Center, Akron Saint Paschal Baylon School, Highland Heights
East Richland Christian Schools, St. Clairsville Saint Raphael School, Bay Village
Ellet Community Learning Center (CLC), Akron Saint Sebastian Parish School, Akron
Holy Angels Catholic School, Sidney Tippecanoe Middle School, Tipp City
Holy Trinity School, Avon Turpin High School, Cincinnati
Incarnate Word Academy, Parma Heights Unioto Elementary School, Chillicothe
Jennings Community Learning Center (CLC), Akron West Geauga High School, Chesterland
Lehman Catholic High School, Sidney
The Ohio Academy of Science 112020 STATE SCIENCE DAY AWARDS
2020 HAROLD C. SHAW MEMORIAL OUTSTANDING SCHOOL AWARD
A most-challenging prize, the celebrated Harold C. Shaw award is based on a rigorous group score of all participants from a school. The late Mr.
Shaw (1915-1993) was a high school science teacher and long-time OAS Junior Academy Council member. Above, Mr. Shaw's family members are
posed with the awards at the 2018 State Science Day. Pictured (left to right) are Carolyn Shaw-Lowry, Gwen Shaw-Sailor, and Lisa Shaw-Eilerman.
2020 Harold C. Shaw Awardees
Bishop Leibold East & West Campus – Dayton Rutherford B. Hayes High School – Delaware
Carroll High School – Dayton St Columban School – Loveland
Hathaway Brown – Shaker Heights St Mary Immaculate Conception – Wooster
Hicksville High School – Hicksville Sylvania Southview High School – Sylvania
Hilltop High School – West Unity Toledo Islamic Academy – Sylvania
Lincoln High School – Gahanna Upper Arlington High School – Upper Arlington
Mason Middle School – Mason Warsaw Elementary School – Warsaw
Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High School – Ottawa Hills
St. Mary Immaculate Conception, Wooster, receives a 2020 Harold C. Shaw Award. A 2020 Harold C. Shaw Award.
Photo credit: Darryl Woods, St. Mary School. Photo credit: Darryl Woods
12 State Science Day - Virtual 2.0, 20212020 STATE SCIENCE DAY AWARDS
THE OHIO TUITION
TRUST AUTHORITY
2020 COLLEGE ADVANTAGE
529 PLAN AWARD
Ms. Kaitlyn Wood –
Saint Raphael School, Bay Village
Ms. Lainie Anderson –
East Richland Christian Schools, St. Clairsville
Ms. Allison Beagle –
Home schooled
Ms. Charlotte Buchholz –
Terrace Park Elementary School, Terrace Park
Mr. Noah Cenci –
Russellville Elementary School, Russellville
Ms. Emma Dando –
Saint Raphael School, Bay Village
Mr. William Ernst –
St. Michael School, Ripley
Ms. Elizabeth Frantz –
St. Mary Immaculate Conception, Wooster
Ms. Addie Gurgiolo –
Heritage Middle School, Westerville
Ms. Sahana Katta –
Big Walnut Intermediate School, Sunbury
Ms. Keyuri Morgan –
St. Mary Central School, Martins Ferry
Ms. Mary Rohde –
Bishop JK Mussio Elementary, Steubenville
Mr. Oliver Sekorky –
Menlo Park Academy, Cleveland
Ms. Brianna Stevens-Woolery –
Warsaw Elementary School, Warsaw
Mr. Alfonso Tortora-Colón –
New Albany Intermediate School, New Albany
Ms. Kaitlyn Wood, a 6th
grade student from Saint
Raphael School, (Bay
Village) received a $1,500
College Advantage 529
Award. The award was
presented by Mr. Michael
Woytek, Executive
Director of The Ohio
Academy of Science and
Tim Gorrell, Executive
Director of The Ohio
Tuition Trust Authority.
The Ohio Academy of Science 132020 STATE SCIENCE DAY AWARDS
THE 2020 GOVERNOR’S THOMAS EDISON AWARDS
FOR EXCELLENCE IN...
Information Science & Technology Research
Grades 10-12
1st – Jaden Thomas – Bloom Carroll HS, Carroll
2nd – Yaryna Kurdoba – Beaumont School, Cleveland Hts.
3rd – Kai Delsing – Bellbrook HS, Bellbrook
4th – Aniv Ray – Columbus Academy, Gahanna
Grades 7-9
1st – Laasya Acharya – Mason Middle School, Mason
2nd – Emily Carr – John Sells MS, Dublin
3rd – Joshua Cox – Buckeye Valley Local MS, Delaware
Advanced Materials
Grades 10-12
1st – Destynn Keuchel – Hawken School, Gates Mills
2nd – Synene Abukaram – Bounty Collegium, Sylvania
3rd – Landon Muhlenkamp – Greenville HS, Greenville
4th – Laney King – Akron St. Vincent St. Mary, Akron
Grades 7-9
1st – John Shin – Hawken School, Gates Mills
2nd – Sarah Burns – Sacred Heart of Jesus, Wadsworth
3rd – Alora Siegel – Hilltop HS, West Unity
Advanced or Alternative Energy
Grades 10-12
1st – Ethan Elking – Miamisburg HS, Miamisburg
2nd – Michael Scheeser – Hudson HS, Hudson
3rd – Dylan Seigle – Anna HS, Anna
4th – Cassidy Smith – Bloom Carroll HS, Carroll
Grades 7-9
1st – Anas Mereb – Sunrise Academy, Hilliard
2nd – Kaitlyn Ernst – Laurel School, Shaker Hts.
3rd – Alexander Krol – Walnut Hills HS, Cincinnati
Biotechnology & Biomedical Technologies
Grades 10-12
1st – Mohini Parvate – Dublin Jerome HS, Dublin
2nd – Julia Bray – Gahanna Lincoln HS, Gahanna
3rd – Taylor Kauffmann – Anna HS, Anna
4th – Sophia Carter – Carroll HS, Dayton
Grades 7-9
1st – Madeline Cole – Liberty Union HS, Baltimore
2nd –John Shin – Hawken School, Gates Mills
3rd – Annelise Depenbrock – St. Michael, Ripley
14 State Science Day - Virtual 2.0, 2021ENGINEERING,
NATURAL, AND HEALTH SCIENCES
THE UNIVERSITY OF MOUNT UNION OFFERS MAJORS IN:
ENGINEERING HEALTH SCIENCES NATURAL SCIENCES
Biomedical Engineering Exercise Science Biochemistry
Civil Engineering Health Biology
Computer Engineering Medical Laboratory Chemistry
Electrical Engineering Science Environmental Science
Mechanical Engineering Nursing Geology
Physics
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Physician Assistant Studies
For more information, visit mountunion.edu.
The Ohio Academy of Science 15SCHOLARSHIPS AND SPONSORED AWARDS
American Chemical Society Columbus Dr. Lynn E. Elfner Young Scientist Green Energy Ohio Student
Section - Chemical Sciences Award - 134 Award - 246 Achievement Award in Advanced or
American Chemical Society, Columbus The Ohio Academy of Science Alternative Energy - 260
Section Green Energy Ohio
Engineering Achievement Award - 059
American Physiological Society Award - Engineers Foundation of Ohio Interdisciplinary Research Award - 133
248 Sigma Xi, Ohio State Chapter
The American Physiological Society, as Evolutionary Biology Award - 190
judged by The Ohio State University The Ohio State University Chapter of JLG Excellence in Engineering Award-
Chapter of Sigma Xi Sigma Xi 259
JLG (an Oshkosh Corporation Company)
American Water Works Association EWI Award - 058
Award - 072 EWI Milt Austin Aquatic Science Award - 030
American Water Works Association, Ohio Ohio Chapter of The American Fisheries
Section Excellence Award for Civil Engineering Society
Projects - 061
Animal Science/Veterinary Medicine American Society of Civil Engineers, Nationwide Children's Hospital
Award - 256 Central Ohio Section & Ohio Council Research Institute Trainee Association
Martin E. English, DVM (RITA) - 238
Food Science and Engineering Award - Nationwide Children's Hospital Research
Association of Ohio Music Therapists - 031 Institute Trainee Association (RITA)
Psychology of Music/Music Therapy Nestle Product Technology Center,
Award - 189 Marysville Ohio Environmental Health Association
Association of Ohio Music Therapists Award - 087
Future Physician - Scientist Award - 148 Ohio Environmental Health Association
Behavioral Science Award - 028 The Ohio State University, College of
Ohio Psychological Association; regional Medicine and Public Health and OSU Ohio Northern University State Science
psychological associations Health Systems Day Scholarship - 244
Ohio Northern University
Believe in Ohio STEM Entrepreneurship Geological Award - 079
Award - 257 Ohio Geological Society Ohio Oil and Gas Energy Education
The Ohio Academy of Science Program Award - 139
Gordon J. Aubrecht Award for Ohio Oil and Gas Energy Education
Bobcat Tuition Scholarship in Biological Outstanding Physics Projects - 067 Program Award
Sciences - 249 The American Physics Society - OH
Department of Biological Sciences, Ohio Region Section & Southern Ohio Section Ohio Soybean Bioscience Award - 018
University of the American Assoc of Physics The Ohio Soybean Council Foundation
Teachers
Broadcom MASTERS - 250 Ohio Soybean Bioscience Team Award -
Society for Science & The Public Governor's Award for Excellence 230
in Environmental Protection The Ohio Soybean Council Foundation
Cleveland Museum of Natural History's Research - 080
Outstanding Naturalist Award - 136 Ohio Environmental Education Fund Osmon Ramsey Environmental &
The Cleveland Museum of Natural Natural Science Award - 258
History Governor's Thomas Edison Award The Ohio Academy of Science
for Advanced Materials - 106
Data-Driven, Data-Informed, Data- Ohio Development Services Agency Osteopathic Medical Award - 145
Inspired - 245 Ohio Osteopathic Association
Thomas Richmond Jr Governor's Thomas Edison Award
for Advanced or Alternative Energy OTTA $1,000 Scholarship - 239
David J. Horn Stone Lab Entomology Scholarship - 217 Ohio Tuition Trust Authority
Scholarship - 234 Ohio Development Services Agency
The Ohio State University, Department of OTTA $1,500 Scholarship - 240
Entomology Governor's Thomas Edison Award Ohio Tuition Trust Authority
for Excellence in Biotechnology &
Dick Goddard Honorary Young Biomedical Technologies - 033 Outstanding Civil/Environmental
Atmospheric Scientist Award - 070 Ohio Development Services Agency Engineering Award - 251
American Meteorological Society; Eric The Mannik & Smith Group, Inc.
Wertz; Northeast Ohio AMS Governor's Thomas Edison Award for
Excellence in Information Science & Outstanding Project in Plant Pathology - 182
DoD STEM Leadership Award - 261 Technology Research - 147 The Ohio State University, Department of
Society for Science Ohio Development Services Agency Plant Pathology
16 State Science Day - Virtual 2.0, 2021SCHOLARSHIPS AND SPONSORED AWARDS (CONT.)
OWEA Water Environment Science Soil and Water Conservation Award - 090 University of Toledo Science
Award - 197 Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Achievement Scholarship - 012
Ohio Water Environment Association Conservation Districts University of Toledo
OWEA Water Environment Science SOLAE Foundation Award for Turning Veterinary Medicine Award - 050
Award - 086 Science Fiction into Science Fact - 221 Ohio Veterinary Medical Association
Ohio Water Environment Association SOLAE Foundation Auxiliary
Peter G. Finke Water Management Statistical Analysis Award - 023
Award - 091 American Statistical Association,
Water Management Association of
Ohio
Columbus Chapter
Stone Laboratory Scholarship - 019
Thank
Plant Pathology Scholarship at The The Friends of Stone Laboratory,
Ohio State University - 157
The Ohio State University, Department of
Plant Pathology
The Ohio State University
The Lemelson Early Inventor Prize - 254
You
Science of Food - 169
The Ohio State University, Department of
The Lemelson Foundation via Society for
Science & the Public Award
Food Science & Technology The Ohio State University College of
Society of Experimental Test Pilot
Excellence in Flight Sciences - 247
Engineering Scholarship - 218
The Ohio State University, College of
Engineering
Sponsors
The Society of Experimental Test Pilots
(SETP) University of Akron Scholarship - 011
University of Akron
and Judges!
Society of Petroleum Engineers Award -
108 University of Mount Union State
Society of Petroleum Engineers, Ohio Science Day Scholarship - 205
Section University of Mount Union
The dedication and expertise of the judges makes it all possible! Above, the judge's meeting in OSU's St. John Arena at the 2019 State Science Day.
The Ohio Academy of Science 17ROSTER OF SPONSORED AWARD JUDGES
011 - University of Akron Scholarship Ms. Lynley Turkelson, Fairfield 059 - Engineering Achievement
Dr. Ali Dhinojwala, Akron Mrs. Nicole Mack, Parma Award
Dr. Abraham Joy, Copley Mr. James Lynch, Cincinnati Mr. James Arnold, Powell
Dr. Mesfin Tsige, Akron Dr. John Lodge, Dublin
Dr. Mary Lewis, Dublin 061 - Excellence Award for Civil
012 - University of Toledo Science Ms. Sandra Glazer, Cincinnati Engineering Projects
Achievement Scholarship Mrs. Juleta Craig, Fairlawn Mr. AJ Smith, Belmont
Dr. Mark Camp, Toledo Mr. Jonathan Cleveland, Dayton Mr. Robert Smith, Orient
Dr. Jim Broyles, Westerville Dr. Abdollah Shafieezadeh,
018 - Ohio Soybean Bioscience Dr. Carla Antenucci, Covington Columbus
Award and 230 - Ohio Soybean Mr. Brock Partlow, Cincinnati Mr. Michael Rowland, Columbus
Bioscience Team Award Dr. Sarah Whitton, Cincinnati Mr. Peter Narsavage
Ms. Ellia La, Columbus Mr. Thomas Less, Columbus
Dr. Didem Aykas, Columbus 030 - Milt Austin Aquatic Science Mr. Steve Koch, Columbus
Ms. Julia Brown, Worthington Award Dr. Jieun Hur
Mr. Terrence Dent, Columbus Mr. Steven Gratz, Sunbury Mr. Babak Firoozi, Columbus
Mr. Tom Fontana, Worthington Mr. Eugene Braig, Delaware Mr. Jon Sterenberg, Dublin
Mrs. Jeanne Gogolski, Columbus
Mr. Dustin Homan 031 - Food Science and Engineering 067 - Outstanding Physics Project
Award Award
019 - Stone Laboratory Scholarship Dr. Rachel Liggett, Marysville Mr. Kevin McChesney, Reynoldsburg
Mrs. Michelle Pennington, Thornville Ms. Carolyn Thornton, Columbus Dr. Christopher Beer, Fairfield
Ms. Jill Bartolotta, Painesville Dr. Mithun Bhowmick, Middletown
Mrs. Diane Gabriel, Circleville 033 - Governor's Thomas Edison Dr. Erica Brownstein, Marble Cliff
Ms. Erin Monaco, Columbus Award for Excellence in Dr. Elizabeth George, Springfield
Dr. Jeffrey Reutter, Westerville Biotechnology & Biomedical Dr. Kathy Harper, Columbus
Mrs. Ellen McMahon, Columbus Technologies Dr. Lenore Horner, Reading
Mrs. Anna Shockey, Brookville Ms. Shan Huang, Beavercreek
023 - Statistical Analysis Award Mrs. Jodi Anderson, Bowling Green Mr. Sandeep Joy, Columbus
Ms. Krista Wurscher, Columbus Mr. Scott Bloom, Troy Dr. Matthew Kennedy,
Mr. Gavin Collins Mr. Jim Crofoot, Tipp City Mr. Dan Banks
Mr. Utkarsh Shah, Columbus Ms. Christina Keares, Columbus Mr. Timothy Magill, Beavercreek
Ms. Betsy Ehmcke, Columbus Mr. John Lewis, Columbus Dr. Jennifer Blue, Oxford
Dr. Yuan Gao, Columbus Mrs. Angela McMurry Ms. Bailey Miller
Mr. Lloyd Goldstein, Columbus Mrs. Christie Walendzak, Bowling Mr. Keegan Orr, Pickerington
Ms. Morgan Heyde, Columbus Green Mrs. Sarah Palmer, Delaware
Mr. Eunseop Kim Mr. Josh Welch, Fort Thomas Dr. Edward Smith, Columbus
Ms. Yoonji Kim, Grandview Heights Ms. Emily Mazur, Dayton Mrs. Rebekah Smith
Ms. Christel Lee, Granville Dr. Dean Stocker, Liberty Twp
Dr. Omer Ozturk, Lewis Center 050 - Veterinary Medicine Award Dr. Jessie Sun, Shaker Heights
Ms. Anna Seffernick DVM. Allison Pawlikowski, Columbus Dr. Adrienne Traxler, Dayton
Ms. Mary Whalen
028 - Behavioral Science Award 058 - EWI Award Ms. Mary Wildermuth, Columbus
Dr. Kelly Martincin, Brunswick Mr. William Mohr, Columbus Mr. William Kuhlman, Cincinnati
Ms. Dylanne Twitty, Cincinnati Dr. Timothy Gorman, Dublin Ms. Tara Wilson, Dublin
Dr. Rick Tillman, Madison Mr. Devin Hilty, Westerville Mr. Chao Yang, Columbus
Ms. Ashley Stewart, Pickerington Mr. Colin King, Dublin Mr. Douglas Forrest, Reynoldsburg
Dr. Paula Shear, Cincinnati Dr. Lindsey Lindamood, Columbus
Ms. Rachel Schafer, Cincinnati Mr. Matthew Rich, Delaware 070 - Dick Goddard Honorary Young
Dr. Nancy Rogers, Cincinnati Mr. Gary Walzer, Dublin Atmospheric Scientist Award
Mr. Michael Ranney, Columbus Mr. Eric Wertz, Kent
Ms. Jamie Patronick, Cincinnati
Dr. Erich Merkle, Akron
18 State Science Day - Virtual 2.0, 2021ROSTER OF SPONSORED AWARD JUDGES (CONT.)
072 - American Water Works 090 - Soil and Water Conservation 139 - Ohio Oil and Gas Energy
Association Award Award Education Program Award
Ms. Dane Elliott, Columbus Mr. Amy Browning, Steubenville Mr. Jorge Barrios, Columbus
Ms. Megan Shortridge, Bellbrook Mrs. Irene Moore, Hopedale Mr. George Brown
Mr. Mike Reese, Maumee Mrs. Shawn Toy, Granville
Mr. Sid Hoover, Bowling Green 091 - Peter G. Finke Water Mr. John Cramer, Orrville
Mr. Erik Fulton, Westerville Management Award
Ms. Pooja Chari Mr. Zachary Smith, Germantown 145 - Osteopathic Medical Award
Mr. Randall Berkley, Columbus Mr. Peter Soltys, West Chester Ms. Cheryl Markino, Columbus
Ms. Alexis Killinger, Akron Mr. Richard Weber, Celina
Mr. Daniel Ma, Columbus 148 - Future Physician - Scientist
Ms. Juliana Laszakovits, Columbus 108 - Society of Petroleum Engineers Award
Ms. Sarah Hayes, Cincinnati Award Dr. Alexander Hare, Columbus
Mr. Mark Moody, Columbus Ms. Amanda Huang, Columbus
079 - Geological Award Mr. John Cramer, Orrville Mr. Felix Yang, Columbus
Mr. Edward Swinford, Columbus Dr. Brian Hansen, Columbus
Mr. Michael Angle, Columbus 133 - Interdisciplinary Research Mr. Farbod Fazlollahi, Dublin
Dr. Mohammad Fakhari, Columbus Award Ms. Sydney Fobare, Columbus
Ms. Amy Lang, Columbus Ms. Brittany Ford, Columbus
Mr. James McDonald, Columbus Dr. Pranita Hanpude, Columbus 157 - Plant Pathology Scholarship
Dr. Shaoying Ma, Columbus at The Ohio State University and
080 - Governor's Award for Dr. Noah Weisleder, Columbus 182 - Outstanding Project in Plant
Excellence in Environmental Mr. Xun Zou, Columbus Pathology
Protection Research Dr. Monica Lewandowski, Columbus
Dr. Anthony Blevins, Columbus 134 - American Chemical Society
Ms. Joanna Asuncion, Columbus Columbus Section - Chemical 169 - Science of Food
Ms. Rahel Babb, Columbus Sciences Award Mr. Gonzalo Miyagusuku Cruzado,
Ms. Mary Ann Silagy, Columbus Ms. Amy Tucker, Columbus Columbus
Mr. Ryan Bourgart, Columbus Mr. John Key, Westerville Ms. Abigail Sommer
Mr. Rick Carleski, Galloway Dr. Robert Kroshefsky, Marysville Ms. Fenfen Tang, Columbus
Mrs. Kilynn Dahl, Bowling Green Mr. Joshua Lisheid, Worthington
Ms. Annette De Havilland, Columbus Dr. Brian Peebles, Columbus 182 - Outstanding Project in Plant
Mr. Amber Hicks, Dayton Dr. Albert Pyzik, Granville Pathology
Mrs. Diane McClure, Columbus Ms. Lisa Ricci, Columbus Dr. Ram Khadka, Wooster
Mr. Pam McCoy Dr. Justin Seffernick, Columbus
Mr. Todd Nein, Pataskala Mr. Fredric Winer, Columbus 189 - Association of Ohio Music
Ms. Katharine Ankrom, Columbus Dr. Robin Grote, Westerville Therapists - Psychology of Music/
Ms. Julie Spangler, Reynoldsburg Ms. Mary Sanger, Columbus Music Therapy Award
Ms. Baylee Stark, Chillicothe Dr. Andy Chen, Powell Mrs. Valerie Robinson, Columbus
Ms. Carolyn Watkins, Columbus Mrs. Sara Kampfe, Troy
Dr. Chad Wenger, Grove City Ms. Amber Hendricks, Columbus 190 - Evolutionary Biology Award
Dr. Laura Woods, Columbus Dr. Kate Cahill, Columbus Dr. Sushant Mehan, Columbus
Mrs. Yingjia Zhu, Dayton Dr. Michael Clingerman, Hilliard Dr. Ahmed Zayed, Columbus
Mr. Jeff Montavon, Columbus Dr. Ashish Deshmukh, Columbus Mr. Mohamed Nawwar, Columbus
Ms. Sophie Ensey, Columbus Dr. Caymen Novak, Columbus
086 - OWEA Water Environment Dr. Joan Esson, Westerville
Science Award Dr. Satish Kumar Garre, New Albany 197 - OWEA Water Environment
Mr. Mike Maringer, Marblehead Mrs. Ariel Glorioso Science Award
Mr. Robert Bird, Worthington Mrs. Chelsea Cameron, Columbus
087 - Ohio Environmental Health Mrs. Dawn Larsen, Columbus
Association Award Mr. Christopher Tarr, Columbus
Mr. Gus Dria, Canton
Mrs. Hilary Dria, North Canton
The Ohio Academy of Science 19ROSTER OF SPONSORED AWARD JUDGES (CONT.)
205 - University of Mount Union Ms. Maura Schwartz, Columbus 245 - Data-Driven, Data-Informed,
State Science Day Scholarship Dr. Julieth Andrea Sierra Delgado, Data-Inspired
Mrs. Jamie Greiner, Alliance Columbus Mr. Tom Richmond, Avon
Mr. Sahib Sran, Columbus
218 - The Ohio State University Dr. Anthony Stephenson, Columbus 247 - Society of Experimental Test
College of Engineering Dr. Uddalak Majumdar, Columbus Pilot Excellence in Flight Sciences
Scholarship Ms. Shelby Thomas, Columbus Mr. James Bieryla, Beavercreek
Dr. Mark Ruegsegger, Columbus Dr. Adrianna Matos-Nieves, Columbus Mr. Frank Delsing, Bellbrook
Mr. Richard Luo Ms. Shireen Woodiga, Columbus Mr. Mike Howard, Bellbrook
Ms. Louisa Mezache, Columbus Mr. Noah Taylor, Westerville
Mr. Kenechukwu Okoye, Columbus Ms. Jesse Crow, Columbus 248 - American Physiological Society
Dr. Renatta Knox Award
219 - Governor's Thomas Edison Ms. Sara Adamczak, Columbus Ms. Hannah Bulgart, Columbus
Award for Advanced or Alternative Dr. Madhumita Basu, Columbus Dr. Xinru Zheng, Columbus
Energy Scholarship and 260 - Mr. Joe Beljan Dr. Kristyn Gumpper, Columbus
Green Energy Ohio Dr. Marco Benedetti, Columbus Mr. Chetan Gomatam, Columbus
Mr. Chris Meyer, Port William Ms. Aliyah Bennett, Columbus Dr. Sisi Cao, Columbus
Mr. Jake Kuss Dr. Dhanarajan Rajakumar, Columbus Ms. Revati Dewal
Mr. Dale Arnold, Columbus Dr. Heather Costello, Upper Arlington
Mr. Craig Foster, Columbus Ms. Allison Fowler 249 - Bobcat Tuition Scholarship in
Dr. Jeff Gaither, Columbus Biological Sciences
234 - David J. Horn Stone Lab Dr. JN Rashida Gnanaprakasam, Dr. Robert Colvin, Athens
Entomology Scholarship Columbus Dr. Viorel Popescu, Athens
Dr. Joe Raczkowski, Columbus Ms. Maria Elena Hernandez
Gonzalez, Hilliard 251 - Outstanding Civil/
238 - Nationwide Children's Hospital Ms. Jessica Herstine, Columbus Environmental Engineering Award
Research Institute Trainee Mr. John Hinckley, Pickerington Ms. Halle Miller, North Royalton
Association (RITA) Dr. Elisabeth Kilroy, Columbus
Mr. Robert Schuetz, Columbus Dr. Lexie Blalock, Columbus 256 - Animal Science/Veterinary
Dr. Leeann Pavlek, Columbus Medicine Award
Ms. Lakshmi Prakruthi Rao Venkata, 244 - Ohio Northern University State Dr. Martin E. English, Tipp City
Columbus Science Day Scholarship
Dr. Afrooz Rashnonejad, Columbus Dr. Khagendra Bhandari, Ada 257 - Believe in Ohio STEM
Mr. Addison Reed, Dayton Dr. Vicki Motz, Lima Entrepreneurship Award
Mrs. Nissa Rodgers, Grove City Ms. Holly Dyer, Lancaster Mr. Mike Woytek, Dublin
Dr. Laura Schwartz, Columbus Dr. Jessica Hinson, Ada
Thank You Award Sponsors
and Judges!
20 State Science Day - Virtual 2.0, 2021SCENES OF STATE SCIENCE DAY 2019
If you attended
State Science Day
as a student...
We welcome you to
J OI N
the State Science Day Alumni Association.
There are no fees to join.
Sign up here: https://form.jotform.com/OhioScience/science-day-alumni
Alumni Benefits.
• Be recognized for career accomplishments. (Annual and lifetime achievement awards.)
• Be portrayed as a career role model to inspire and mentor students.
• Be invited for their professional knowledge to provide benefits to The Ohio Academy of Science such as
judging at State, district, and local science days, reviewing manuscripts and annual meeting abstracts for
The Ohio Journal of Science, evaluating scholarship applications and STEM education program awards.
Ways to Support STEM education
• Be given the opportunity to support the Annual Fund or specific activities like State Science Day, and the
alumni group.
• Be an advocate for STEM education.
• Provide testimonials as to the value of participating in local, District and State Science Days.
• Provide The Ohio Academy of Science with contacts for corporations, foundations, governmental
agencies, professional societies, and educational institutions.
This we believe.
T ens of thousands of Ohio students over nearly 90 years have benefited from participation in youth science opportunities
including local, District and State Science Days of The Ohio Academy of Science. Early life experiences—like these—
get under your skin in a most powerful way. These students’ scientific and engineering knowledge and skills, as well
as their academic accomplishments, were fostered by early access to professionals, public recognition of their work, and
scholarships. Re‐connecting these students—now as alumni—in meaningful STEM‐related experiences such as judging
and other interactions will bring them personal and professional satisfaction and assist The Ohio Academy of Science.
The Ohio Academy of Science | 5930 Wilcox PL, STE F | Dublin OH 43016 | 614.389.2182 | info@ohiosci.org | www.ohiosci.org
The Ohio Academy of Science 21LETTER TO A YOUNG SCIENTIST
From Marigolds to Molecules to Meaningful Learning
By Stacey Lowery Bretz, PhD
University Distinguished Professor of Chemistry at Miami University
Stacey Lowery Bretz is a University Distinguished the library to look through books and encyclopedias
Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry (there were no computers or Google® back then!)
and Biochemistry at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. to see what other people already knew about how
She is a Fellow of the American Chemical Society, flowers grow. I learned a lot about being a scientist
the American Association from those beautiful yellow
for the Advancement of As a little girl, I constantly asked marigolds, including the
Science, and the American
Council on Education. She
my parents and teachers the same importance of keeping good
records and the importance
is an alumna of Perkins High two questions: Why did that of following directions for
School in Sandusky, Ohio,
where as a student of Mrs.
happen? How did that happen? my experiment. My flowers
needed to be watered even
Carole Palmer, she was a member of three award- on the weekends! Most importantly—I learned I was
winning teams at The Ohio Academy of Science allergic to marigolds!”
State Science Day. In high school she presented her
research at the Annual Meeting of the Ohio Academy Middle School
of Science—earning the opportunity to both present at In middle school, my science teacher told me
the Annual Meeting of the American Association for that I would never become a doctor because girls
the Advancement of Science and become a Fellow were meant to be moms instead. And while it’s true
of the American Junior Academy of Science. I did not become a physician, I proved my science
A
teacher wrong because I earned my PhD from Cornell
s a little girl, I constantly asked my University (an Ivy League institution in Ithaca, New
parents and teachers the same two questions: York) and I became a mom. There is no rule forcing a
Why did that happen? How did that happen? scientist to choose. You can have both a family and a
But being told the answers to my questions was oddly career in science!
unsatisfying—I only wanted to know how the grown-
ups came to know that. To the best of my knowledge, High School Sophomore Year—State Science Day
there were no predecessors to the Next Generation In high school I took honors chemistry as a
Science Standards when I was in elementary school sophomore, and one day my teacher, Mrs. Palmer,
in the 1970s. My earliest memory of knowing that asked me to stay after school. I thought I was in trouble
“science” was a subject that I could learn in school was because I had never been asked to stay after school
in fifth grade. I have no memory of studying anything by a teacher! But I wasn’t in trouble; she told me that
even remotely related to biology, chemistry, physics, she had a group of students who stayed after school
or earth science before fifth grade! to do research, and wanted to know if I might be
interested in trying to do a research project. I had no
Fifth Grade— First Science Fair idea what that would involve, nor how life changing
But in fifth grade, I was required to design and that would be for me—but I sure am glad I said yes!
carry out a science fair project. I wanted to know more For the next three years I spent many afternoons in
about how flowers grow. The idea of putting seeds in the chemistry lab, investigating enzyme catalysis. My
the ground, covering them with soil, and then seeing experiments took so long that I needed a lab assistant
beautiful flowers bloom was almost magical. I planted to make my solutions for me during the day so I could
three new marigold seeds every day for a month—one get started immediately after school and finish before
got sun and water and one got only water. It did not marching band practice and musical practice! That lab
occur to me to have a “control” for my experiment by assistant was a senior named Richard who had been
planting seeds that were denied both sun and water! doing his own research project for two years. In Mrs.
For the next few months I faithfully watched over Palmer’s classroom I had seen multiple pictures of
my seeds, carefully writing down the changes I saw him holding giant 5-foot-tall trophies from The Ohio
each day when I came home from school. I went to Academy of Science State Science Day. (Spoiler alert:
22 State Science Day - Virtual 2.0, 2021LETTER TO A YOUNG SCIENTIST (CONT.)
Richard and I became high school sweethearts, and postdoctoral research fellow (funded by the National
we married while both of us were in graduate school. Science Foundation) to learn more about how to
We’re about to celebrate 38 years together!) Many investigate the process by which students learn, and
Saturday mornings in the spring, my parents carefully teachers teach, chemistry.
helped me load my poster and equipment into our
station wagon. We set off to colleges around northern Miami University
Ohio so I could compete in district science days, Many students (and teachers) think of chemistry
earning my way as a member of Mrs. Palmer’s team as equations and rules to memorize. For 30 years,
to State Science Day I’ve been researching
for three years in a row. Attending the AAAS meeting in May 1985 meaningful learning—
made me realize that I wasn’t “just” a high the opposite of rote
High School— AJAS memorization. I'm
and AAAS
school student who had won a trip as a keen to understand
In my junior year prize. I was at an international meeting how students both
of high school, my with scientists from countries around the visualize and reason
project was awarded about the structure and
the best chemistry world. They were presenting their research. properties of atoms
research award from I was presenting my research. It was the first and molecules. I’ve
Dow Chemical. I was had the honor to be
invited to represent
time I ever thought of myself as a scientist. the “Mrs. Palmer” for
The Ohio Academy of Science at the American Junior thousands of college students who have been in my
Academy of Science (AJAS) the following year at the classrooms. And, I have had the special privilege to
international meeting of the American Association for mentor dozens and dozens of students in their own
the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in Los Angeles, research projects.
California. I had never been on an airplane before.
I had never attended a “conference” before. And You Are a Scientist
I certainly had never presented my research at a This column is titled “Letter to a Young Scientist.”
conference with "real" scientists before. There was a time in my life when I might not have
Attending the AAAS meeting in May 1985 made stopped to read this article because I didn’t think
me realize that I wasn’t “just” a high school student of myself as a scientist; I was “just” a student. But I
who had won a trip as a prize. I was at an international was very fortunate to have had a teacher who saw
meeting with scientists from countries around the possibilities in me that I didn’t even know existed. I
world. They were presenting their research. I was was a scientist when I got on my first airplane and
presenting my research. It was the first time I ever presented my research at the AAAS meeting. I’m still
thought of myself as a scientist. a scientist all these years later, even though I don’t do
experiments in the chemistry laboratory anymore—
Cornell University my experiments and research projects are about
I became the first person in my family to graduate how students think about molecules and learn how
from college when I earned my bachelor’s degree in to learn chemistry. Back when I was in high school, I
chemistry from Cornell University. Today that makes could never have imagined someday doing this type
me a “first gen” student, but I didn’t even know of work. And that, my young scientist, is the message
that was a label I was very fortunate to have had a teacher who saw I want you to hold
applied to some onto for yourself.
students until possibilities in me that I didn’t even know existed. You don’t have to
about 5 years ago! I earned my master’s degree in know how your story as a scientist will unfold or what
chemistry at Penn State, and then returned to Cornell experiments you might do when you are in college
for my PhD in chemistry education research. My or as an adult. All you need to know right now is that
questions about how people come to learn about if you like to ask questions, such as how and why,
ideas were still rattling around in my mind—except they and you enjoy chasing down the answers—then you
were now focused on molecules and learning about are on your way!
molecules. How could people learn about chemistry Reprinted from “Letter to a Young Scientist,” by Stacey Lowery Bretz,
when molecules were too small to see? I spent a 2020. The Ohio Journal of Science, Vol. 120(2), pages 88-89, Copyright
year at the University of California, Berkeley, as a © 2020 Stacey Lowery Bretz. https://doi.org/10.18061/ojs.v120i2.8026
The Ohio Academy of Science 23COMMENTARY
Traveling the Aisles of Science Fairs
By R. Lynn Gilliland, PE
R. Lynn Gilliland was a Licensed Professional En- the next science fair, the next year, or the year after. It’s
gineer in the state of Ohio, and worked as Senior my job to tell the student: “This is not a superior project,
Engineer for GM Powertrain in Defiance, Ohio, and GM but you can make it one. Here’s what you have to do.”
Worldwide Facilities. He has had a long association with Or maybe tell them: “You have a superior project now,
The Ohio Academy of Science, including as a former but here’s what you need to do if you want a superior at
member of the OAS Board of Trustees. the next level.” And no matter how much their projects
fall short, my purpose is to shake their hand, and leave
"You came here today worried about the direction them with a desire to do it again.
our youth are taking, their lack of purpose, and what’s
in store for the future of our country. You’ll leave here I‘ve been privileged to have judged amazing projects
today knowing there’s no problem!” at the highest levels, but they aren’t necessarily the
most important. My most important judging is when I
I heard that the first time I judged at State Science Day, approach a 6th or 7th grader being judged for the first
and those words are the defin- time at a local fair. Fright of-
ing reason I’ve been judging for You came here today worried ten overwhelms their ability
forty-five years. I’ve probably
judged fifteen-hundred projects
about the direction our youth are to explain their project. It is
my job to put them at ease,
in those years, and my travels taking.... You’ll leave here today and guide them to what they
through “miles of aisles” of proj-
ect tables has been wonderfully
knowing there’s no problem! want to tell me. I may not
have the ability to inspire
satisfying. I hope reading these words will encourage them to greatness. I do, however, have the ability to
others to take the same journey. destroy any desire they have: by being insensitive to
their fright, or treating them harshly. It’s my job to make
February is here, heralding the “science fair season.” sure that doesn’t happen.
For the next few months I’ll be busy judging, and being
reminded, again, “there’s no problem” with today’s So how did I get here? How did this avocation be-
youth. My wife tells me I’m never on a greater high than come a passion?
when I return from a science fair.
That story is one you should learn for yourself—by
I’ve done a lot of traveling, and discovered many volunteering to judge at science fairs. If you try it, you’ll
things, but my greatest discoveries have been in plac- be hooked by the young scientists, and rewarded many
es few visit: high school gyms filled with the chatter of times over. Don’t hesitate because you’re concerned
young scientists displaying their projects. The emerging about your lack of knowledge. Every fair uses 2-person
of young minds and their capabilities is a wonder second judging teams, and care is taken to pair new judges with
to none—either in their descriptions of exciting new experienced ones.
discoveries, or in their dogged determination of months
spent in observing and recording phenomena to test a Yet, every year I’m disappointed because of the stu-
theory. Only if you have traveled with me, wandering dents who are not there—the ones from schools that
among the tables and poster boards, would you have do not have science fairs. Most notably missing are the
had a chance to see wonders like these: city public schools. There are exceptions, but often we
– A homemade nuclear reactor producing radioactive see little representation from Ohio’s urban schools. But
cells for cancer treatment. there are enough exceptions to make me believe there’s
– A transmitting antenna perfected using Darwin’s an enormous amount of untapped science talent avail-
theory of evolution. able in those schools—they just need an opportunity to
– A camera that sees through dense material, by display their talent.
manipulation of its pixels.
A science fair provides that opportunity.
Finding such projects, and talking with the teenagers
who designed them, was the icing on my judging cake. Contact local science teachers and school adminis-
But the real satisfaction lies elsewhere. It’s when I find a trators to establish a science fair. The Ohio Academy of
project that isn’t top-notch, but I see how it could be—for Science (www.ohiosci.org ) will help.
24 State Science Day - Virtual 2.0, 2021You can also read
