44th Annual Utica University Regional Science Fair Welcomes Middle and High School Scientists from Across the Area

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44th Annual Utica University Regional Science Fair Welcomes Middle and High School Scientists from Across the Area

File Photo via the Observer-Dispatch

“The judges and students are clearly excited too by the increased number of participants who are ready to share their passion for and interest in science on April 1st.”

Scientific knowledge drives the world forward, and at the steering wheel is an ever-growing and changing roster of bright minds and great thinkers. The newest generation of great scientists will gather on Saturday, April 1, 2023 as middle and high school students throughout the region converge for the 44th Annual Utica University Regional Science Fair.

The fair will be held in the Utica University Donohue Concourse, located underneath the Frank Gannett Library.

The Utica University Regional Science Fair was established in 1978 with the twin goals of enhancing the region’s K-12 math and science programs and stimulating increased attention and interest in student learning in math and science.

This science congress embodies these goals in presenting a forum wherein talented students may demonstrate this enthusiasm and interest in science. Many individuals have spent long hours planning, soliciting support and interest, and bringing to fruition the day’s events to which guests are invited to enjoy.

“The Regional Science Fair planning committee and I are thrilled to hold our regular in-person fair again after two years of having virtual fairs,” says Professor of Biology and Event Organizer Dr. Jessica Thomas. “The judges and students are clearly excited too by the increased number of participants who are ready to share their passion for and interest in science on April 1st.”

The exhibition is closed to the public from 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. while judges evaluate participants and their entries.

All levels of competition will be evaluated during the course of the event. For judging purposes, the Senior Level (grades 9-12) and the Junior Level (grades 7-8) will each be divided into three categories: Physical Science, Natural Science, and Math/ Computer Science/Engineering.

Student projects are evaluated independently by two judges with awards given for first through fourth place in the three categories in each division. The project in each division with the highest overall score after three independent evaluations is awarded the Grand Championship.

Projects are also simultaneously judged for discipline-specific special awards supported by professional organizations, governmental agencies, and a number of generous individuals.

Science fair judges are local individuals who volunteer their time, with some judges having participated for more than two decades. Judges include faculty from Utica University, Hamilton College, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Herkimer County Community College, and Mohawk Valley Community College; engineers and personnel from local technology and research industries; medical professionals; and civilian and military staff members of the Information Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome, NY.

The Utica University Regional Science Fair is affiliated with and sanctioned by the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), the governing body for science fairs since 1980.

The Senior Level Grand Champion will be invited to compete in the 2023 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Dallas, TX from May 13-19 2023. Utica University will sponsor one contestant and a chaperone to participate in that event.

Beginning at 12:30 pm., parents/guardians, friends, and judges are invited to Macfarlane Auditorium for the Sally Lachut Majka ’61 and Donald Majka presentation of certificates, ribbons, and medals to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th prize winners.

At 1 p.m. the general public is invited to the exhibit area in the Donohue Concourse for demonstrations, followed by the Sally Lachut Majka ’61 and Donald Majka awards ceremony in the Concourse at 2 p.m. and the announcement of Grand Champions, Runner-up, and Special Awards recipients.

Welcoming Remarks and Recognition of Special Guests will be delivered by Regional Science Fair Director and Professor of Biology Dr. Jessica Thomas, followed by remarks by Provost, Vice President for Academic Affairs and soon-to-be next President of Utica University, Dr. Todd J. Pfannestiel and remarks from Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Dr. Sharon Wise during award ceremonies.