American Nuclear Society, Eastern Washington Section

ANS is committed to advancing, fostering, and promoting the development and application of nuclear sciences and technologies to benefit society. This year’s winners of a $1000 scholarship from the Eastern Washington Section of the American Nuclear Society are:

Ryan Lei, Richland High School
Ourana-Maria Glezakou-Elbert, Hanford High School

Agriculture Awards:

Agriculture is an important industry in the mid-Columbia. The following projects involving plant science were awarded:

Chloe Custodio, Leona Libby Middle School, Distinguished Project
Akshath Motkuri, Leona Libby Middle School, Distinguished Project
Ansen Short, Christ the King School, Distinguished Project

Creativity Award

This award is for middle school projects that have a unique or creative idea. This year’s winners are:

Victoria Navarro, Harrison Middle School, 6th Grade Third Place
Sriyan Thallapally, Leona Libby Middle Schoo,l 6th Grade Second Place
Ryon Kovis, Christ the King School, 6th Grade Second Place
Asher Rice, Harrison Middle School, 6th Grade First Place
Isaac Petersen, Christ the King School, 7th Grade Second Place
Raman Harilal. Leona Libby Middle School, 7th Grade First Place
Daylin Olsen, Chief Joseph Middle School, 8th Grade First Place

 
Awards of Distinction: Creativity

Creativity is something that is required for all forms of science. An original idea which brings together elements of science done in the past, coupled with the student’s unique idea, often brings new understanding and rewards of its own. This unique and original application of scientific ideas is alive and well, and was demonstrated by many students in this fair. For their creative spark, the following students are being recognized for CREATIVITY:

Valeria Alvarado
Leilani Bizarro
Prayrona Choudhury
Alemitu Cox
Leo Cuellar
Autianna Fernandez
Emily Gallardo
Kamilla Garcia
Thalia Garza
Mireya Gutierrez
Madelyn Humpherys
Tsukiko Kiyomi
Kelsee Madrigal – Cisneros
Akshath Motkuri
Firn Pepper
Kloey Ruelas
Vanessa Tellez
Elaine Walker
Gracelyn Wilde

Special Awards: U.S. Military

We thank those serving in our United States military. Today we have awards provided by the United States Air Force and the Office of Naval Research, which supports both the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps.

Special Award from the US Air Force

The US Air Force award included an over the shoulder sling pack, Power Bank charger, dog tag USB Flash Memory Drive, a dual USB Car Charger, and official Air Force Certificate. The winners of the US Air Force Award are:

Andre Chin, Leona Libby Middle School. United States Air Force Certificate of Achievement
Ryan Lei, Richland High School, United States Air Force Certificate of Achievement
Navaj Nune, Hanford High School. United States Air Force Certificate of Achievement
Owen Rothwell, Leona Libby Middle School. United States Air Force Certificate of Achievement

Special Award from Office of Navel Research (US Navy/Marine Corps)

The Office of Naval Research, on behalf of the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps, supports the Regional Science Fair. Each winning student receives a certificate of achievement, letter of congratulation, and medallion. Additionally, the three winners from the Senior division (grades 9-12) must submit an on-line award verification form within 30 days to receive a $50.00 e-card educational recognition award. The winners of the Office of Naval Research awards are:

William Lewis, Christ the King School, Office of Naval Research Junior Award
Theodore Maier, Chief Joseph Middle School, Office of Naval Research Junior Award
Rohan Nune, Leona Libby Middle School, Office of Naval Research Junior Award
Aashrita Bhamidimarri, Hanford High School, Office of Naval Research Senior Award
Madelyn Humpherys, Sunnyside High School, Office of Naval Research Senior Award
Isabella Pinto, Hanford High School, Office of Naval Research Senior Award

Awards of Distinction: Engineering

Engineers bring together the elements of research, experimentation and data collection and translate them into hardware or processes. The design, production and operation of a project can be a true example of scientific engineering, not only in the physical sense but also organizationally. We recognize the following students for their achievement in engineering:

Haeleigh Esqueda
Jaydan Madrigal
Yoana Morfin Villa
Daylin Olsen
Nevaeh Perez
Clara Prytherch
Juan Solorio
Rishi Vijay
Elijah Villalobos

American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), Columbia River Professional Chapter (CRPC)

Founded in 1977, the AISES is a non-profit organization whose goal is to substantially increase the representation of American Indian and Alaskan Natives in science, technology, engineering, math and other related disciplines. The CRPC, founded in 1991, supports these national goals, while working at the local and regional level. This year’s winners are:

Gigi DeMartino, Homeschool, Very Good
Ali Evans, Enterprise Middle School, Very Good
Emily Gallardo, Sunnyside High School, Very Good
Alesandra Gonzalez, Sunnyside High School, Very Good
Mario Maldonado, Harrison Middle School. Very Good
Evalina Owens-Hall, Eisenhower High School, Very Good
Izayah Padilla, Harrison Middle School, Very Good
Carlos Ruiz, Harrison Middle School, Very Good
Edgard Soberanes, Harrison Middle School, Very Good
Lionel Verduzco, Harrison Middle School, Very Good
Elijah Villalobos, Harrison Middle School, Very Good
Sariah Wise, Sunnyside High School, Very Good
Maria Herrera, Sunnyside High School, Outstanding

Wenas Mammoth Camp Scholarships

Youth will be learning the methods of Paleontology, Archaeology, and Geology in a real hand-on learning environment. The Wenas Mammoth Foundation offers Paleontology, Archaeology, and Geology camp for 3rd grade through 12 grade students. The first-year students learn the methods of paleontology, archaeology, and geology which includes learning about the history and geology of the Wenas Creek Mammoth Dig Site, STEM earth science careers, maintaining field records, laying out a dig-site unit, excavation processes, and identification of findings. Return students will be given the opportunity to take the skills they obtained in the first year, and utilize those skills in the field, and learn more about the geology of the area.

The Mid-Columbia Regional Science and Engineering Fair will award three summer Wenas Mammoth Camp Scholarships. One for grades 6-8, 9th grade, and Senior Division. This year’s winners are:

Akshath Motkui, Leona Libby Middle School, 6th – 8th grade
Ryker Herrera, Sunnyside High School, 9th grade
Maria Herrera, Sunnyside High School, Senior Division

INMM

We are the Institute of Nuclear Material Management, Pacific Northwest Chapter. Our official slogan states, “We are dedicated to the safe, secure and effective stewardship of nuclear materials and related technologies through the advancement of scientific knowledge, technical skills, policy dialogue, professional capabilities, and best practices.” But put more simply, we exist because the power of the atom demands that we exist. How does Spiderman state it? “…with great power comes great responsibility…” Well that’s what we’re all about. The power of the atom is the most abundant energy source known to humankind – it powers the sun! But that kind of power creates problems – safety, security, and environmental waste. We have to do it right, and the Institute of Nuclear Materials Management is all about doing nuclear the right way. With that in mind, we want to award a project that not only does great science, but ensures it’s done the right way – with safety, security, and environmental stewardship in mind from start to finish.

Navaj Nune, Hanford High School, INMM-PNW award

Awards of Distinction: Data Collection and Analysis

Data is the foundation of all science. The collection, control and interpretation of large amounts of information are very important and time-consuming tasks. Once this mountain of information is finally put into place, the essence of “What does it all mean?” is determined through successful use of graphs, charts, pictures, tables, and the like. The following students are being recognized for their successful acquisition and compilation of data:

Stephanie Antunez- Cervera
Joanna Augustin
Aashrita Bhamidimarri
Kalie Ceja-Flores
Alexa Corleto
Chloe Custodio
Kaiden Frank
Elsa Gutzler
Ryon Kovis
Ryan Lei
Theodore Maier
Benjamin Masterman
Karla Mondragon-Martinez
Uriel Olmedo
Nevaeh Ontiveros
Evalina Owens- Hall
Arianna Ruelas
Sriyan Thallapally
Matthew Yao

NASA Earth System Science Award

Earth system science is the study of the complex system and the interconnections that occur on Earth. The Earth’s spheres interact in complex ways. The different spheres that make up our Earth system are the atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere (snow and ice), and biosphere. Changes in one sphere affect other spheres because they are all interconnected. NASA is developing a scientific understanding of how Earth’s system responds to changes that are occurring as a result of natural and man-made causes. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Earth System Science Project Award goes to the student whose project best demonstrates Insight into Earth’s Interconnected Systems. This year’s winner is:

Ruth Wise-Maldonado, Sunnyside High School

YALE

Yale Science and Engineering Association, Inc. provides an award for Most Outstanding Exhibit in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. The award is intended for 11th grade projects. This year’s winner is:

Ruth Wise-Maldonado, Sunnyside High School, Most Outstanding Exhibit in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Ricoh Corporation

Ricoh Corporation presents the Ricoh Sustainable Development Award presented to the student whose research has demonstrated the Principles and Technical Innovations that offer the greatest potential for Sustainable Development. This year’s winner is:

Marisabel Zarazua Gomez, Sunnyside High School

Tri-City Astronomy Club

Tri-City Astronomy Club recognizes projects related to astronomy. This year’s winner is:

Juan Velador, Harrison Middle School

STEM Enthusiast

The STEM Enthusiast awards recognize middle school projects that best demonstrate students’ creativity and innovation in exploring the world around them. Students will be receiving a certificate and gift card.

Alemitu Cox, Christ The King School
Akshath Motkuri, Leona Libby Middle School
Arianna Ruelas, Harrison Middle School
Lionel Verduzco, Harrison Middle School
Elaine Walker, Liberty Bell Jr-Sr High School

Awards of Distinction: Experimental Design

Having a unique and original scientific idea is only half the battle. Trying to design experiments that will give meaningful results and that will further the understanding of a topic can take most of the time spent on a project. The concept of “test, test, and re-test” often becomes paramount in ensuring that an experiment will produce a valid examination of a hypothesis. The following students are recognized for their excellence in experimental design:

Royal Anda
Crystal Garibay
Ourania-Maria Glezakou-Elbert
Laura Gonzalez-Sanchez
Maria Herrera
Cristina Leyva
Brayden McCallum
Carlos Molina
Kayla Murray
Julian Nava
Victoria Navarro
Rohan Nune
Spencer Parsons
Gunner Porter
Cain Rodriguez
Ansen Short
Lionel Verduzco
Ernesto Verduzco
Jane Weaver

American Society of Mechanical Engineers

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers is a not-for-profit membership organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing, career enrichment, and skills development across all engineering disciplines. Founded in 1889 by a small group of leading industries, ASME has grown through the decades to include more than 120,000 members in over 140 countries around the globe. Winners of the ASME awards are:

Ourana-Maria Glezakou-Elbert, Hanford High School
Isabella Pinto, Hanford High School
Clara Prytherch, Christ the King School
Owen Rothwel, Leona Libby Middle School

Sigma Xi, Tri-Cities Chapter

Sigma Xi, Tri-Cities Chapter provides awards for the projects that demonstrate the best use of the Scientific Method:

John Phillip Custodio Hanford High School
Navaj Nune, Hanford High School

Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) is a professional association for electronic engineering and electrical engineering (and associated disciplines). IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. The IEEE award winners are:

Jaydan Madrigal, Harrison Middle School, IEEE 6th grade
Raman Harilal, Leona Libby Middle School, IEEE 7th grade
Prayrona Choudhury, Leona Libby Middle School, IEEE 8th grade
Srithan Thallapally, Richland High School, IEEE 9th grade
John Phillip Custodio, Hanford High School, IEEE Senior Division Grand Prize
Isabella Pinto, Hanford High School, IEEE Senior Division Grand Prize
Matthew Yao, Walla Walla High School, IEEE Senior Division Grand Prize

Awards of Distinction: Honesty

In any scientific experiment there can be unexpected results. However, even in the light of undesired results, a new inspiration may be found. Others may be able to build on the results, and we may gain a better understanding of the topic. We may even find a new avenue to explore. Looking at all data as important, and presenting the findings regardless of anticipated results, is a very important aspect of scientific work. The following students are being recognized for their honesty in presentation:

Joshua Aguirre
Mackenna Chambers
Alexandra Contreras
Kyleigh Davis
Nestor Duarte
Kaeleigh Esqueda
Luke Gatlin
Bailey Gatlin
Ryker Heeringa
Ivan Montes
Mya Morales
Michelle Ojeda
Andrea Ontiveros
Isaac Petersen
Edgard Soberanes

Inspiring Excellence, Inc.

Inspiring Excellence, Inc. supports science fair students with awards for demonstrating excellence.  Excellence is displayed by the following traits: interest, desire, enthusiasm, perseverance, diligence, scholarship, and a positive attitude.  The following students are recognized for excellence in their chosen project:

Elsa Gutzler, Liberty Bell Jr-Sr High
Brayden McCallum, Harrison Middle School
Tatiana Melendrez, Christ The King School
Julian Nava, Harrison Middle School
Caroline Stover, Christ The King School
Rishi Vijay, Enterprise Middle School

Inspiring Excellence, Inc., also wishes to recognize a teacher who inspires their students to reach excellence. This year’s winner is:

Darla Van Corbach, Harrison Middle School

Computer Science Award

In presenting this award, our judges hope to encourage increased participation in computer science, one of today’s fastest growing fields, and an important source of innovation for the 21st century. The winners of the Computer Science Award will receive an Award certificate and a monetary award:

John Phillip Custodio, Hanford High School, Computer Science Award 2nd place
Matthew Yao, Walla Walla High School, Computer Science Award 1st place

U.S. Metric Association

The U.S. Metric Association provides one award for the Best use of SI, the International System of Units, in a science fair project. This year’s winner is:

Aashrita Bhamidimarri, Hanford High School

Washington State Science and Engineering Fair

The Washington State Science and Engineering Fair (WSSEF) provided one award for Outstanding Research Based Project Achievement. The award recipient receives a complementary registration fee and T-shirt for the Washington State Science and Engineering Fair on March 31, 2023 and April 1, 2023. This year’s winner is:

Aashrita Bhamidimarri, Hanford High School, Outstanding research based project achievement award

Awards of Distinction: Novelty

It is sometimes surprising how the things we take for granted are often taken out of context and applied in new and unique ways. Using old ideas with a twist to create new thoughts is very important in science. Scientists who challenge “the system” by introducing an innovative approach are often labeled as rebels – and where would we be without them! For their innovative and unique interpretation of scientific knowledge, the following students are recognized:

Karsyn Barker
Alexander Carmona Mondragon
Ivan Castillo
Carson Debban
Ali Evans
Serenity Ibarra
Baneza Lagos
Jimena Mondragon
Alejandro Pozos
Kylieann Rhoads
Mia Ruiz-Lara
Christina Senior
Juan Ulloa
Berenice Vazquez
Madison Williams

GENIUS Olympiad

Rochester Institute of Technology and the Terra Science and Education, Inc., have sponsored the Exceptional Genius Olympiad Award to honor projects that display excellent work in the environment. The exceptional Genius Olympiad Award grants the student participation in the Global Environmental Issues (GENIUS) Olympiad to be held June 12-16, 2023 at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Winning students must submit their application by April 15. Winners of the Exceptional Genius Award are:

Sadie Lord, Sunnyside High School, Exceptional Genius Award
Navaj Nune, Hanford High School, Exceptional Genius Award
Nicole Samaan, Hanford High School, Exceptional Genius Award (Alternate)

American Psychological Association

The American Psychological Association has provided an award for outstanding research in psychological science under the category of behavioral and social sciences or any category related to psychology. The award includes the APA certificate with a complementary one-year student affiliate membership in APA. This year’s winner is:

Posey Hannigan, Liberty Bell Jr-Sr High ,Achievement in Research in Psychological Science

Regeneron Biomedical Science Award

Regeneron Biomedical Science Award is presented to an exceptional student scientist who not only demonstrates an impressive command of biomedical science and research but also embodies Regeneron’s core values, known The Regeneron Way. These include Lead with Science, Take on Big Ideas, Make it Happen, Be Great Together, and Do What’s Right. The award includes a certificate and a $375.00 prize. This year’s winner is:

Mireya Gutierrez, Sunnyside High School

 
Society for Invitro Biology (SIVB)

The Society for In Vitro Biology provided an award for the most outstanding 11th grade project exhibiting in the areas of plant or animal in vitro biology or tissue culture. This year’s winner is:

Lisbeth Valencia, Eisenhower High School, Outstanding Achievement for Ability and Creativity in In Vitro Biology

Awards of Distinction: Perseverance

For most of us, life’s little setbacks are mostly an annoyance. But for our young scientists, when the plants die or the crickets ran away, or the home-built super-collider doesn’t… months of hard work can disappear. In the face of these obstacles, many of our students just looked adversity in the face, laughed, and continued despite the setbacks. The judges would like to recognize the following students for their superior perseverance:

John Phillip Custodio
Gigi DeMartino
Wendy Hernandez
Elijah Macias-Hernandez
Anja Merkens
Asher Rice
Christopher Tellez
Marlene Torres-Macias
Ruth Wise-Maldonado

Association for Women Geoscientists

The Association for Women Geoscientists award is presented to the female student whose project exemplifies high standards of innovativeness and scientific excellence in the geosciences. This year’s winner is:

Chloe Custodio, Leona Libby Middle School, Outstanding Project

 
Water Environment Federation (WEF) and Xylem, Inc.

The Stockholm Junior Water Prize Regional Award of Excellence for a water related science research project goes to winning projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life through improvement of water quality, water resource management, or water and wastewater treatment. This year’s MCSF winners are:

Katherine Chavez, Sunnyside High School
Autianna Fernandez, Sunnyside High School
Sadie Lord, Sunnyside High School

 
NOAA:

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provided NOAA’s 2023 “Taking the Pulse of the Planet” award. This award is presented to the student whose research has demonstrated the principles and technical innovations that offer the greatest potential for an improved understanding of the Earth’s dynamic processes. This year’s winner is:

Nicole Samaan Hanford High School Taking the Pulse of the Planet Award

National Geographic:

National Geographic Society, sponsors “That’s Geography!, Cultivating Empathy for the Earth Award”, for the development of an innovative geography project. The award will include a $100.00 award and certificate to a 9th – 12th grade student who is seeking solutions to the Earth’s most pressing challenges, in particular, around ocean, land, wildlife, human history and cultures, and human ingenuity. This year’s winner is:

Nicole Samaan, Hanford High School

Awards of Distinction: Scientific Thought

In the pursuit of science, there are certain paths or methods that are taken to ensure proper scientific investigation.  This includes rules for concept formation, conduct of observations, experimentation and validation of hypotheses.  Gathering all aspects of a project, understanding the scope and being able to relate the concepts to the casual observer is quite a challenge.  The following students have taken the scientific method and applied it to all aspects of their project, and are recognized for excellence in scientific thought:

Conner Bennett
Sienna Chambers
Andre Chin
Esmeralda Garcia
Alesandra Gonzalez
Audrey Hsu
Angel Joshi
William Lewis
Brisa Longoria-Sosa
Sadie Lord
Enrique Macias
Gabriela Medina Espindola
Elias Mejia
MaleahAnn Mendoza
Isabella Pinto
Lila Rice
Owen Rothwell
Carlos Ruiz
Alison Rupp
Gisselle Salgado
Nicole Samaan
Ricky Sandoval
Claire Sheehan
Caroline Stover
Lisbeth Valencia
Marisabel Zarazua Gomez

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE)

The Society of Women Engineers takes a very active role in encouraging young women to investigate technical career paths. Best Female Science Project winners are:

Alexa Corleto, Christ The King School, 6th grade honorable mention
Chloe Custodio, Leona Libby Middle School, 6th grade winner
Samantha DeSalvo, Liberty Bell Jr-Sr High, 7th grade honorable mention
Ali Evans, Enterprise Middle School, 7th grade winner
Prayrona Choudhury, Leona Libby Middle School, 8th grade winner
Evalina Owens-Hall, Eisenhower High School, 9th-10th grade, honorable mention
Karla Mondragon-Martinez, Sunnyside High School, 9th-10th grade winner
Ourania-Maria Glezakou-Elbert, Hanford High School, 11th-12th grade honorable mention
Celeste Vergara-Borges, Sunnyside High School,11th-12th grade winner

The Lemelson Early Inventor Prize:

For the development of an outstanding invention exhibited at a Society for Science-Affiliated Science and Engineering Fair. The prize includes a $100 award for a 6th – 8th grade inventor. This year’s winner is:

Prayrona Choudhury, Leona Libby Middle School, outstanding invention

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID):

The United States Agency for International Development provided the Science Champion Award for scientific excellence and using science innovatively to create a potential solution to international development challenges. This year’s winner is:

Ali Evans, Enterprise Middle School

Awards of Distinction: Thoroughness

Most ideas can be applied, presented and interpreted in a thousand different ways. A scientist often has to examine a particular idea from many sides to gain a full understanding of it. A thorough investigation of how different variables come together and interact is sometimes one of the great educators about a particular scientific idea. For exhaustively applying their knowledge of interactions and ideas, the following students are recognized for excellence in Thoroughness:

Kris Bonilla-Velasco
Damien Candido-Vargas
Zoey Jane Coleman
Samantha DeSalvo
Tyler Mosier
Anaiyah Sanchez
Summer Tate
Celeste Vergara-Borges

Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC) Nominees

Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC) is the nation’s premier STEM research competition for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. The top 10% of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students competing here today have the honor of continuing their science fair journey by applying to compete in the Thermo Fisher JIC (formerly known as the Broadcom MASTERS). Each nominee will receive a certificate of recognition and a digital packet inviting them to complete the online application for the 2023 Thermo Fisher JIC national competition. The online entry must be submitted by the June 14, 2023 deadline to enter the next phase of the competition.

The MCSF nominees are:

Conner Bennett, Christ the King School
Chloe Custodio, Leona Libby Middle School
Ali Evans, Enterprise Middle School
Rohan Nune, Leona Libby Middle School
Daylin Olsen, Chief Joseph Middle School
Clara Prytherch, Christ the King School
Asher Rice, Harrison Middle School
Ansen Short, Christ the King School
Sriyan Thallapally, Leona Libby Middle School