Young Scientists Earn Prizes and Prestige at SIUE’s Research Challenge
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville hosted approximately 200 budding scientists at the 32nd Annual Science and Engineering Research Challenge held April 2. Multiple trophies and monetary awards were doled out to local 5-12th grade students who excelled in the research, experimental and written components of the event.
The Science and Engineering Research Challenge is a day dedicated to celebrating science and achievement, and encourages science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) exploration among students from elementary through high school.
Matthew Morse, of Edwardsville High School, was named Challenge Champion for his research on the effect of Xanthan gum, used as an industrial thickener for oil drilling, on plant life.
Along with the grand prize of $600, Morse took home $100 for his first place finish in the Paper Competition. He will travel to compete at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair being held May 8-13 in Phoenix.
In the Best of Challenge category, students from Governor French Academy swept the senior division. Placing first, second and third were Abril Hunter, Sydney Stauffer and Sarojzani Hunter. Placing in the junior division were Rebecca Thomas of Cassens Elementary, Braden Starck of Lincoln Middle School and Clara Jordan of Shiloh Middle School.
“This event involves many people, all of whom are volunteers,” said Colin Wilson, manager of the SIUE STEM Resource Center. “From the teachers who mentor the students and the parents who come to support them, to the judges who give of their time and faculty who lend their expertise, we appreciate them all.
“This regional event connects SIUE to state agencies and allows us to provide encouragement to young students interested in STEM and a venue to showcase their abilities. These students may go on to study in STEM fields and become future industry professionals.”
Twenty-six winners from the SIUE regional advance to the state competition being held May 14 in Decatur. The 2017 regional Science and Engineering Research Challenge will be held March 18 at SIUE.
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Center for STEM Research, Education and Outreach comprises an independent group of researchers and educators, innovating ways to engage students and the public in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Within the SIUE Graduate School, the Center brings together research faculty, graduate students and practitioners to conduct education research. Center staff develop and teach hands-on STEM programming as well as online citizen science and astronomy initiatives. The Center contributes educational expertise to SIUE undergraduate classes and provides professional development for K-12 teachers. The Center boasts a significant library of equipment and resources, which are available for loan at no cost to campus and regional instructors. For more information, visit stemideas.org or contact STEM Center Director Sharon Locke at (618) 650-3065 or stemcenter@siue.edu.
