News Summary
Starkville students have showcased exceptional talent at the MS Region V Science & Engineering Fair, with notable achievements including many awards and recognition for their innovative projects. Tenth grader Katie Chung won Best of Fair for her groundbreaking project on mercury extraction. The participation of younger students and their impressive performances highlights the district’s strong focus on STEM education, encouraging creativity and critical thinking among all grade levels.
Science Fair Success in Starkville!
Starkville is buzzing with excitement as one of its own has shone brightly at the recent MS Region V Science & Engineering Fair held at Mississippi State University. Tenth grader Katie Chung made her mark by winning the coveted Best of Fair award for her innovative project titled “Mercury Extraction Using Lignin Foams.” This triumph is just a taste of the fantastic achievements by students from the Starkville Oktibbeha Consolidated School District at the event.
A Remarkable Week for Starkville Students
The fair took place at the end of February and saw secondary students from the district walk away with an impressive 30 awards in total! Participants from grades 6 through 12 had previously qualified by showcasing their talents at school-level fairs. Together, they highlighted their skills in a variety of science categories, securing top-3 finishes in 11 different sections and a whopping 10 special regional and national awards. How’s that for some fierce competition?
Chung’s project, which explored a creative method for extracting mercury from contaminated water, not only tied for first place in the Earth and Environmental Science category but also earned her several impressive accolades, including awards from the Office of Naval Research, RICOH USA Inc., US Agency for International Development, and the Global Environmental Impact Award. With these accomplishments under her belt, she is set to compete as an International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Finalist, showcasing her work at both state and international levels.
Sharing the Spotlight
But Chung wasn’t the only one turning heads at the fair! Fellow Starkville High School student, Theo Ahn, a 9th grader, also clinched a tie for first place with his intriguing project “Tiny Breath, Big Impact: How Insect Respiration Shapes the Carbon Cycle.” Meanwhile, Amy Choi, another 10th grader, impressed the judges by landing second place in the Engineering Mechanics category with her project focused on electromagnetic interference caused by power semiconductor switches.
And let’s not forget the younger students! Jaden Clare Everette, a 9th grader, received the first-place award in the Animal Science category for her project on genetic markers for scrapie resistance in sheep and she’s set to participate in the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. Not too shabby for someone who’s just starting out!
Younger Minds Making Waves
Even the sixth graders at Partnership Middle School didn’t hold back, earning a staggering 18 awards including two special recognitions. Sage Scarpulla was honored with the American Psychological Association award for her work in behavioral science, while Nicholas Sescu snagged the Nailed It! Award for his exceptional presentation skills. Talk about talent!
The encouraging participation from younger students, especially those in sixth grade, can be attributed to mandatory participation in the school-level science fair initiative. It’s prompted many students to challenge themselves and explore their interests. Exciting news for next year, this requirement is likely to expand to include 7th graders as well!
Fostering a Love for STEM
Starkville High School’s participation is voluntary, allowing older students the freedom to dive into topics they are passionate about. This has led to astonishing discoveries and innovative presentations that highlight various learning styles and strengths among students. Instructors, including Starkville High’s AP Biology and Zoology teacher, have applauded their students for their unwavering dedication and creativity in scientific thought.
Chung conveyed how her experience in the science fair has been pivotal in paving her way toward a future in STEM. With hands-on experiences and critical thinking skills emphasized in the district’s STEM education across all grade levels, it truly seems like the sky’s the limit for the bright minds in Starkville!
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HERE Resources
Starkville High School Students Shine at Science Fair
Additional Resources
- SOCSD Sees 30 Awards at 2025 Region V Science Fair
- Wikipedia: Science Fair
- Starkville School District Expands STEM Programs
- Google Search: STEM education
- Starkville Community Foundation Awards Grants
- Google Scholar: education grants
- Winners Announced in Region I and IV Mississippi Science Fair
- Encyclopedia Britannica: science fair
- USM Center for STEM Education Hosts Science Fair
- Google News: Mississippi science fair
