This weekend students, teachers, and scientists from around the capital region met for the 11th Annual Greater Capital Region Science and Engineering Fair and Science Congress at RPI. "While athletes compete in sporting tournaments, young scientists compete here," said Planning Committee Director Joan Wagner.
This competition is part of two national and international competitions. The first three winners in the senior division go on to participate in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair or Science Congress competitions. The first two winners in the junior division go on to participate in the Discovery Challenge.
Students in grades 7-12 presented a variety of research projects that were judged by some of the best scientists in the region. Research topics ranged from "Evaluation of the efficiency of hand washing following the petting of a domestic cat," to more complex topics like the "Analysis and engineering of silicon actuators as artificial muscles for use in biomimetic underwater robots." Publicity Director Chris Cameron said that this event encourages "free thinking for a better world."
The judges consisted of scientists from around the region. RPI professors, scientists from Wadsworth labs, a professor from Union College, a professor from SUNY Albany, a scientist from Schenectady International, and many scientists and engineers from GE were there.
Fifteen schools were present during the fair. Celine Irving, a science teacher in Troy’s Doyle Middle School, said, "This is our first time here; I am happy that we got to come this year. We will definitely be back next year." Two of the prizes were won by Irving’s students.
The students had a chance to listen to a lecture by Dr. Earl Zimmerman, one of the leading scientists in Alzheimer’s research. He talked about what is known about the disease at this point and what he envisions in the future of research in this field. "I enjoyed talking to some of the brightest and most interesting students and answering their questions," said Zimmerman.
After the judges looked at the projects, labs in Walker were opened to the public to view them. Parents, teachers, friends, media, and spectators were there to view the exhibits.
The fair was also a chance for RPI to see some of the brightest students around the region, and possibly make them think about the Institute for their collegiate years. "I wish all of these students decide to come to RPI as students," said Samuel Wait, associate dean of the School of Science. Moreover, the first-place winner in the senior division receives a $10,000 scholarship to RPI.
Other awards were presented by the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, Yale Science and Engineering Association, Scientific American, and the Association for Women Geoscientists, among others.
In addition to Rensselaer, the Eastern Section of the Science Teachers Association of New York State, and the GE Corporate Research & Development division sponsored the event.
