Two GFA students were among the top finishers in the annual Connecticut Science and Engineering Fair (CSEF). Senior Ava Ewing and eighth grader Jakob Zapanta both received top awards in the state's oldest and most prestigious STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) event in the state.
CSEF hosted its 72nd annual fair in an unprecedented way: virtually. Because of the state’s recommendation to restrict large group events to help deter the spread of COVID-19, the CSEF board, along with its director Frank LaBanca, made the difficult decision to cancel the in-person event, but instead to host a digital platform for participants.
Despite the shift in format, the fair received online submissions from 578 middle and high school students. The projects were then evaluated by some 200 fair officials, culminating in an online awards ceremony hosted by LaBanca on Saturday, March 14.
“Never would we have imagined the events that led us to cancel the Connecticut Science and Engineering Fair and change to a virtual format,” said LaBanca. “We have been completely humbled by the community effort to make this event a success. From uploaded posters, to online interviews that sometimes had up to 20 judges in one room, we demonstrated the promise of our youth and a dedicated science and engineering community.”
More than 400 awards, totaling more than $200,000, were presented to middle and high school participants, with the seven top high school projects earning the opportunity to compete in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Anaheim, California in May. In addition, high school finalists and one eighth-grade project will get the chance to compete at the GENIUS Olympiad, Oswego, N.Y., in June.
Ewing received a CSEF Life Sciences Award for her study on: “Impacts of Blue Light on the Eye Structure and Brain Activity of Drosophila Melanogaster.”
The Eighth Grade Physical Sciences Award went to Zapanta for his project: “Water Filter and Water Turbine.”
Second honors
Sahana Bettagowda placed in the second honors category. Her project: "My plastic place. Designing an app and website to help record plastic waste in the environment."
Phoebe Bryan placed in the second honors category. Her project: "The effect of Connecticut and Massachusetts farm water samples on chromogenic reagents and density."
Third honors
Ben Grimm placed in the third honors category. His project: "An algae water purification technique."
Ahmad Niass placed in the third honors category. His project: "Using a collagen, calcium, and phosphorus solution to increase stability for eco-friendly construction."
Jordan Moss placed in the third honors category. Her Project: "An automated and integrated stove shut off component that ensures safety measures in the kitchen."