Local Students Win Top Prizes at Wyoming State Science Fair at UW

Students from Cheyenne, Fort Laramie, Laramie and Meeteetse were the top winners at the Wyoming State Science Fair March 5-7 at the University of Wyoming.

The students, in grades 9-12, advance to the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Los Angeles, Calif. The ISEF is an opportunity to meet student-scientists from throughout the world and a chance to win prizes worth up to $75,000, says Erin Stoesz, Wyoming State Science Fair coordinator.

Representing Wyoming at the ISEF are:

-- Colton Curtis, from Meeteetse High School, with a project titled “The Embryonic Development of Oncorhynchus mykiss When Exposed to Heavy Metal Solutions.”

-- Qingfeng Li, from Laramie High School, with a project titled “Implementing New Methods of Prosthetic Control.”

-- Jennel Mead, from Cheyenne South High School, with a project titled “Shifting Sun vs. Putrid Pilobolus.”

-- Sierra Spears, from Lingle-Fort Laramie High School, with a project titled “Determination of Soil VOC Content Due to Coal Dust Deposition along Major Railroad Transportation Routes.”

Students in grades 6-8 have an equivalent national competition, Broadcom MASTERS (Math, Applied Science, Technology and Engineering Research Scholars). The 30 finalists will be selected later this fall for an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

Students in the Junior Division who have been nominated from the Wyoming State Science Fair for the Broadcom MASTERS competition are:

-- Evan Anderson, Cheyenne, with a project titled “Hot Gas.”

-- Abby Copeland, Lander, with a project titled “Once Upon Again: Rechargeable Tin Batteries.”

-- Mia Copland, Lander, with a project titled “Harming Our Future One Weed at a Time.”

-- Kyland Fuller, Fort Laramie, with a project titled “Discovering the Capability of a Homemade Particle Sensor and Exploring the Dangers of Particulate Matter.”

-- Dylan Huelskamp, Lander, with a project titled “Type 1 Diabetes and Exercise.”

-- Sierra Lloyd, Lander, with a project titled “Moovin’ for Biodiversity.”

-- Carlos Munoz, Marbleton, and Nathan Maxfield, Big Piney, with a project titled “Developing a Microbial Fuel Cell.”

-- Colmcille Rottinghaus, Lander, with a project titled “But I Thought He Was on My Team! The Effect of Jersey Color on Quarterback Performance.”

For a complete list of each category winner in the Senior and Junior Divisions, click here.

To view a PDF with photographs of the category winners, go here.

Participation in the State Science Fair engaged students in real-life science experiences and gave them opportunities to interact with professionals and share their ideas with the public, Stoesz says.

She adds that UW has hosted the State Science Fair for many years and continues to be “highly supportive of the event.” More than 100 judges, community and campus volunteers contributed to this year’s fair. Many local and national organizations, UW departments and industry also sponsored special awards.

For more information, call Stoesz at (307) 766-9863 or email estoesz@uwyo.edu.