Starkville High School Students Shine at Science Fair

Starkville students showcase their innovative science projects at the Regional Fair.

News Summary

Students from Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District showcased their impressive projects at the 2025 MS Region V Science & Engineering Fair. Collectively, they won 30 awards, with Katie Chung earning the prestigious Best of Fair award for her innovative project on mercury extraction. Other students also made remarkable contributions, celebrating a bright future for science in the community.

Starkville High School Students Shine Bright at 2025 MS Region V Science & Engineering Fair

In the bustling town of Starkville, excitement was in the air as students from the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District (SOCSD) made their mark at the recent 2025 MS Region V Science & Engineering Fair, held at the prestigious Mississippi State University. This annual event witnessed a thrilling showcase of talent, creativity, and scientific inquiry, with Starkville high school students earning a whopping 30 awards collectively!

A Glimpse of the Event

The fair, which took place at the end of February 2025, saw eager participants from the 6th to 12th grades, all vying for recognition after making it through their school-level fairs. It’s always incredible to see young minds tackle various topics, and this year was no exception. Projects ranged from Animal and Behavioral Sciences to Engineering and Robotics, with some truly innovative ideas hitting the stage.

Celebrating Katie Chung: Best of Fair

One standout at the fair was Katie Chung, a bright 10th grader who bagged the coveted Best of Fair award for her remarkable project titled “Mercury Extraction Using Lignin Foams.” Chung’s innovative research focused on tackling the serious issue of mercury contamination in water, employing a clever method using sulfur-based lignin foam to extract harmful substances. Her hard work paid off, as she also tied for 1st place in the Earth and Environmental Science category!

To add to her accolades, Chung received a series of prestigious awards, including those from the Office of Naval Research, RICOH USA Inc., and the US Agency for International Development. As the Best of Fair winner, she will be representing her school and community as an ISEF Finalist at both the state and international fairs, marking a significant milestone in her academic journey.

Impressive Projects by Fellow Students

Katie was not the only one to shine at the fair. Fellow students also delivered exceptional projects that garnered recognition. 9th grader Theo Ahn remarkably tied for 1st place in the same category with his compelling project “Tiny Breath, Big Impact: How Insect Respiration Shapes the Carbon Cycle.” Meanwhile, 10th grader Amy Choi snagged 2nd place in the Engineering Mechanics category with her exploration of electromagnetic interference in modern energy systems. And not to forget 9th grader Jaden Clare Everette, who claimed 1st place in Animal Science with her project on genetic markers in Ovis Aries, even earning a spot in the 63rd National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium.

Impressive Participation from 6th Graders

The participation of 6th graders at Partnership Middle School was truly remarkable, as they earned an impressive 18 awards, including two special awards. Notably, Sage Scarpulla received the American Psychological Association award for her project in Behavioral and Social Science, while Nicholas Sescu was praised with the Nailed It! Award for his exemplary presentation skills. This increased involvement among younger students is a step towards fostering a love for science and exploration.

A Bright Future for Science at SOCSD

Teachers have observed significant growth and creativity in their students, thanks to the mandated participation in science fairs for 6th graders, and there are plans to extend this requirement to 7th grade in the upcoming school year. High school projects remain optional, allowing students the freedom to pursue topics that ignite their passion and curiosity.

Words of Support from Superintendent

The superintendent, who has been watching the evolution of students’ skills, expressed pride over their enthusiasm and commitment to science. Katie Chung’s experience highlights how such competitions provide exposure to crucial skills like the scientific method, research, and effective communication. She credits her success to an amazing support system, from her teachers to her involvement with Mississippi State University.

A Vision for the Future

As Katie looks ahead, she is excited to continue her journey in addressing global mercury contamination issues. Balancing her rigorous academics with various extracurricular activities, she is proving that hard work and dedication truly do lead to success.

Overall, the MS Region V Science & Engineering Fair was a resounding success for the Starkville community, showcasing not just talent, but a promising future for budding scientists ready to make a difference in the world.