High school students participating in this year’s Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) Regional Science and Engineering Fair used scientific methods to test their hypothesis and present the results for volunteer judges to assess in the form of an electronic project.

Managed by Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS), in partnership with the Ruth Patrick Science Education Center, the CSRA Regional Science and Engineering Fair is an affiliate of the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), a research-based high school competition managed by the Society for Science. These competitions exist in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and more than 75 countries and territories.

Students from counties located within the greater Aiken, South Carolina and Augusta, Georgia area, competed for this year’s “Best in Show” title and a spot at the prestigious ISEF competition.

Projects were judged for scientific reasoning, creative ability, thoroughness, technical skill and clarity.

“The CSRA Regional Science and Engineering Fair gives young people from the area the opportunity to explore the world of science and technology and develop their scientific investigation skills by planning and developing their own ‘hands-on’ science projects,” said Taylor Rice, Science Fair Coordinator and SRNS Education Outreach employee. “Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the challenge typically faced by participating students has increased significantly.”

This year’s winners within the High School “Best of Show” category were:

• First Place, Nidhi Shenoy – Lakeside High School, Evans, Georgia

• Second Place, Judah Breland – Davidson Fine Arts Magnet School, Augusta, Georgia

• Third Place, Kiara Gray – A.R. Johnson Health, Science and Engineering School, Augusta, Georgia, and • Honorable Mention, Samiyah Morris – A.R. Johnson Health, Science and Engineering School, Augusta, Georgia.

Each year, approximately 7 million high school students from around the globe develop original research projects and present their work at local science and engineering fair competitions. They hope to make to the virtual international competition with nearly $5 million in awards, prizes and scholarships

“I share my knowledge with like-minded people reaching out to and encouraging students with hope that some entertain careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM),” said Maurice Abraham, Science Fair Judge and SRNS employee. “Not only does the science fair give students an opportunity to exercise the scientific method, but it also allows them to demonstrate their compounded knowledge in STEM. With the support of co-sponsor University of South Carolina Aiken (UofSC Aiken), SRNS is coordinating the competition to ensure an educational and rewarding experience for each competitor.”

This event promoted science and engineering by providing public recognition of outstanding work. Students also gained the opportunity to interact with local scientists and engineers.

Volunteer officials and competition judges came from the Savannah River Site, UofSC Aiken and the community. The judges evaluated scientific reasoning, creative ability, thoroughness, technical skill and clarity.

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, a Fluor-led company with Newport News Nuclear and Honeywell, is responsible for the management and operations of the Department of Energy’s Savannah River Site located near Aiken, South Carolina.