Upward Bound Math and Science Students Take their Project to SIUE’s STEM Center Regional Competition
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Three high school students are hoping their “trash” will win them praise from judges at the 31st Science and Engineering Research Challenge (SERC) regional competition on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
The East St. Louis Center Upward Bound Math and Science students will submit their entry, “Trash Can Ethanol,” for the March 28 competition hosted by the STEM Center. The young scientists are Mikiyah Bell, Martell Cotton and Paris Patterson – all 18 years old and also seniors at Cahokia High School and East Saint Louis Senior High School, respectively.
The regional SERC event brings 5-12th graders from 10 counties together to present their experimental results. Students are eligible for a number of awards as well as a chance to move up to the next level of competition.
The hypothesis of the young women’s experiment is that ethanol can be produced from edible and other household items and waste.
“It’s a fantastic idea, because we can save a lot of natural resources by reusing common waste products,” said Patterson.The teenager has hopes of one day becoming an Air Force educator.
More specifically, Bell said, the trio looked at organic matter. “If we use the right types of organic materials, such as those with high sugar content, we should be able to produce at least 10 milliliters of ethanol from waste.” Bell wants to be a radiologist technician or a social worker.
While not sharing the information before the competition, Cotton said that it is a home method that can work for anyone. She wants to become a nurse anesthesia.
Long hours and hard work went into the preparation of the experiment, and the girls agree, it was worth it.
“I feel very confident about our project,” Patterson said. “Our subject is unique, and I’m sure it will make an impression.”
The girls said they are excited to have the opportunity to compete in the SERC event and are glad they are part of the Upward Bound Math and Science program.
“I joined Upward Bound to get a step further in life,” said Cotton.
“I wanted to be a part of Upward Bound in order to get college experience and mingle with new people,” Patterson said.
“Being a part of Upward Bound Math and Science has been one of the best experiences of my life,” Bell said. “I have become more outgoing and open to new experiences.”
The Upward Bound Math and Science Center is designed to prepare participants for post-secondary education and motivate their exploration of science, mathematics and related educational professions.
Photos:
Upward Bound Math and Science students from left to right: Mikiyah Bell, Martell Cotton and Paris Patterson.
Martell Cotton pours some of the collected materials into a graduated cylinder as Mikiyah Bell looks on.
Shown here are dry materials collected.
