Everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Science Fair.
For Fair Directors, educators, and administrators
Whether you are new to science and engineering fairs or a seasoned alum, attend workshops that will increase your ability to confidently and easily encourage Science Fair participation at your school and support the next generation of scientists, engineers, and leaders!
Workshop topics include:
Project basics
Demystifying SRC
Data visualization strategies
Judging tips
Integrating state standards with real-world investigations
How best to support student research
Addressing common teacher, student, and parent questions
How to run a Science Fair at your school
Coding basics, using 21st century tools in research
How to get the most out of the SARSEF Regional Fair experience
Where? Community Foundation for Southern Arizona 5049 E Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85711
Cost?$25 per attendee All registration fees are being covered by a generous donation from the Broadcom Foundation!
The conference will consist of general sessions, networking, and breakout “elective” sessions. Attendees will receive the full list of electives and submit their choices as we get closer to the conference date. Lunch and light refreshments will be served! Space is limited – register now!
In March, SARSEF held their 68th Annual Regional Science and Engineering Fair and hosted a Community STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Expo. The fair provided students the opportunity to be recognized and rewarded for their work in science and engineering.
Over 20 exhibitors joined the STEM Expo, igniting passion for science through hands-on experiences taught by real-world professionals such as: Center for Negative Carbon Emissions – ASU, Bisbee Science Lab, and the Arizona Science Center.
The SARSEF Fair highlighted the work of 5,949 students and 1,560 projects from over 140 schools, pre-kindergarten through high school, from all over Arizona. Over $100,000 in checks, scholarships, prizes, and trips were given out to students as well as teachers who went above and beyond to support their students’ work.
“My participation in the SARSEF Fair helped me to realize that research effort has a true influence that goes beyond making scientific developments. Behind each project, students spent months planning and working diligently for the goal of improving the community by sharing their passion for science with others,” shared SARSEF Winner Andrea Hernandez from Rio Rico High School, “I did not understand how much I had evolved personally and professionally until I presented alongside more than a thousand other projects. I feel like a real scientist!”
Andrea Hernandez, Grade 12, Rio Rico High School
257 volunteer judges determined the grand awards, volunteering over 2,570 hours of their time. Judges reviewed projects and interviewed students to determine who will win a prize.
Valeria Toscano Pasos, who attends Flowing Wells High School, examined the gut-to-brain signaling pathway associated with maintenance of energy homeostasis and nutrient-induced satiation. She was excited to have had the opportunity to present her research and is excited to continue and explore her scientific journey.
“SARSEF changed my perspective on science fairs. Seeing the plethora of projects and everyone’s dedication to their projects made it feel less competitive and more community oriented. I hope that my achievements in both SARSEF Fair and JSHS (Junior Science and Humanities Symposium) inspire Flowing Wells students to engage in science and formulate their own projects.”
Valeria Toscano Pasos, Grade 12, Flowing Wells High School
Over 400 Sponsored Awards were given to students. These awards are contributed by individuals or organizations within the community and nationally, supporting and encouraging students to become future leaders and believe in themselves. For example, Jasper Byerley, who attends Doolen Middle School, won the Coding with Commitment Sponsored Award given by Broadcom Foundation. The award included public recognition by the foundation, a $250 gift certificate, and a Raspberry Pi Foundation Official RP 400 Personal Computer Kit.
Nine students will continue on to compete at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering fair (ISEF) in Dallas, Texas: Andrea Romero (Harvest Preparatory Academy), Ashley Valencia (Harvest Preparatory Academy), Estefany Regalado and Jorge Covarrubias, (Harvest Preparatory Academy), Hannah Feinberg (BASIS Tucson North), Jimena Uribe Lin (Harvest Preparatory Academy), Jimmy Kwon (BASIS Tucson North), Keona Kuo (University High School), and Serena Rezende Tsao (University High School).
SARSEF was formed in 1955 in an effort to increase student interest in the field of science. The mission of SARSEF is to engage Arizona’s Pre-K-12 grade students in critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they participate in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) through inquiry-based learning and research.
SARSEF accomplishes this mission through a variety of programming including a high school mentoring program, the STAR Lab, SARSEF Fair Week, educational outreach programs with an emphasis on underrepresented populations in the sciences, teacher professional development, ACES Camp for Middle School girls, Racing the Sun, and Arizona STEM Adventure.
To learn more about SARSEF programs and how students, teachers, and families can get involved, visit sarsef.org
Media Contact:
Yvonne Pysher, Director of Marketing and Communications
We saw so many of you at the Awards Ceremony and Expo, where we distributed awards. If you were unable to collect your award at Reid Park on March 11, we will be delivering all unclaimed awards to students’ schools March 17th-27th. We are so proud of all of the students who showed their work at the SARSEF Fair this year!
Winning Projects
(listed by school)
Teacher and School Awards
Education Advocate of Science and Engineering
Ann Peterson, Satori Charter School, Teacher
Anna Heyer, Flowing Wells Unified School District, Science Specialist
The SARSEF Regional Fair is upon us once again! Registration is now closed for this event, and there are 1,500 student projects waiting in the wings to premiere at the virtual exhibit hall on Saturday, March 4th! Consider this you go-to guide of what to expect for Fair Week 2023.
February 26- March 3– Display and Safety Checks
All projects will undergo Display and Safety checks to ensure compliance with Fair rules. Registrants will be emailed information on how to review project submissions and submit any changes that are necessary. Registrants that have an account may submit changes via their account. Parents, caregivers, teachers, and those who registered as a guest will be given an opportunity to make edits through our public portal. An email notification will go out when the public portal opens for edits.
March 4 – Virtual Exhibit Hall Goes Live
The virtual exhibit hall will go live Saturday, March 4th, at 12:00p. You can begin browsing the over 1,500 student projects that advanced to the Regional Fair this year! Judges will begin reviewing projects in preparation for judging and interview days.
Monday and Tuesday, March 6-7 – Elementary and Middle School (PreK-8) Judging and Interviews
Judging will take place online and over Zoom on Monday, March 6, from 1:00p-4:00p. Then, Elementary and Middle School students will have an opportunity to be interviewed by judges over Zoom on March 6 from 4:00pm-6:00pm or March 7 from 9:00am-11:00am. Students must have an adult nearby in order to be interviewed. Interviews at this level are not required and do not factor into judging. They are for experience only for young researchers to talk about their science!
Wednesday, March 8 – High School (9-12) Judging and Interviews
High School judging and interviews will take place in-person at the University of Arizona Student Union Grand Ballroom from 9:00am-3:00pm. Interviews are required at this level and students should plan to attend the entire day. The day will include interviews with judges as well as category networking sessions similar to those held at the International Science and Engineering Fair. Students will have the opportunity to connect with other students in their category as well as STEM professionals in a related discipline.
Award winners lists will be posted on Friday, March 10 at 12:00pm on our Fair website, virtualfair.sarsef.org. These lists will just signify to teachers, students, and schools that an award has been won, but will not specify the name of the award. Students and teachers should plan to attend the Awards Ceremony that corresponds with their grade level to reveal what they’ve won!
Saturday, March 11 – Community STEM Expo and Awards Ceremonies
Regardless of whether a project won or not, everyone should plan on attending the combination Community STEM Expo and Awards Ceremonies at Reid Park from 10:00am-3:00pm on Saturday! All Southern Arizona families are invited as there should be something for everyone. Bring your own blankets and chairs for awards ceremony seating, and enjoy the exhibitors, entertainment, and food trucks!
What You Can Expect
Dozens of hands-on STEM activities from exhibitors from 11:00am-3:00pm
The SARSEF Innovators Hall, where attendees can explore student projects from the 2023 Fair
SARSEF Science Mart for all of your STEM swag needs
Innovators Hall where any student that has done research this year, teacher, or Fair judge can claim a gift
Scavenger Hunt for families to explore the exhibitors and claim a prize upon completion
Onstage live entertainment
Sweet and savory Food Trucks from 11:00am-3:00pm
Plenty of room for outdoor seating on the grass in front of the amphitheater (bring your own blankets, chairs, and umbrellas for shade)
Schedule
11:00am-3:00p STEM exhibitor booths and Food Trucks open!
10:00a Elementary (Grades PreK-5) Awards Ceremony
1:00p-2:30p Live Performances
3:00p Middle and High School (Grades 6-12) Awards Ceremony
The Awards Ceremonies will not be live-streamed. Please plan to attend in-person! If you are unable to do so, unclaimed awards will be delivered to schools in the coming weeks. Full Award list with awards details will be posted on Tuesday, March 14 at 12:00pm on our Fair website, virtualfair.sarsef.org
It takes around 500 volunteers to make the SARSEF Regional Fair happen! We still have slots open for nearly every background, schedule, and ability. Please share these opportunities with those who can join us to make this exciting Tucson tradition a success in 2023!
(Tucson, Arizona) On Saturday, March 11, 2023, SARSEF will host its 68th Annual SARSEF Regional Science and Engineering Fair Award Ceremonies and Community STEM Expo. Over 6,500 students (PreK-12th grade) will compete at the SARSEF Regional Science and Engineering Fair and will be awarded over $100,000 in scholarships, prizes and awards. The top high school students will move on to international levels of competition.
The event will take place at Georges DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center in Reid Park from 10am-5:30pm.
In conjunction with the Awards Ceremonies, we will also host a Community STEM Expo filled with fun STEM activities, where kids will engage in hands-on science, have the opportunity to mingle with professional scientists and engineers, and celebrate the research conducted by thousands of Arizona students this school year, speech by keynote speaker and award distribution ceremony.
“If you want to feel hopeful about the future, this is your event! With SARSEF, students don’t have to wait to become scientists or engineers,” Julie Euber, CEO of SARSEF, shared. “With curiosity as their guide, they can start asking questions they care about and use science and engineering to find solutions that are meaningful to them, and even, the world. Being witness to their enthusiasm, dedication, and innovation can be truly awe-inspiring.”
Event Date: Saturday, March 11, 2023
Event Time: 10am-5:30pm
Event Location: Georges DeMeester Outdoor Performance Center in Reid Park
What You Can Expect
Dozens of hands-on STEM activities from exhibitors from 11:00a-3:00p
The SARSEF Innovators Hall, where attendees can explore student projects from the 2023 Fair
SARSEF Science Mart for all of your STEM swag needs
Innovators Hall where any student that has done research this year, teacher, or Fair judge can claim a gift
Scavenger Hunt for families to explore the exhibitors and claim a prize upon completion
Onstage live entertainment including three awards ceremonies for the Fair
Sweet and savory Food Trucks from 11:00a-3:00p
Plenty of room for outdoor seating on the grass in front of the amphitheater (bring your own blankets and chairs)
About SARSEF:
SARSEF was formed in 1955 in an effort to increase student interest in the field of science. The mission of SARSEF is to engage Arizona’s Pre-K-12 grade students in critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they participate in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) through inquiry-based learning and research.
SARSEF accomplishes this mission through a variety of programming including a high school mentoring program, the STAR Lab, SARSEF Fair Week, educational outreach programs with an emphasis on underrepresented populations in the sciences, teacher professional development, ACES Camp for Middle School girls, Racing the Sun, and Arizona STEM Adventure.
To learn more about SARSEF programs and how students, teachers, and families can get involved, visit sarsef.org
Media Contact:
Yvonne Pysher, Director of Marketing and Communications
Did you know? Last year, SARSEF Regional Science and Engineering Fair showcased the work of 6,558 students. What better reason to judge or volunteer than to impact the confidence level and career trajectory of thousands of students?
At this year’s fair, you will have the flexibility to select the volunteer or judge opportunity that best fits your interests and scheduling needs. But before I share more on that, here are just a few other reasons you should sign up to judge or volunteer:
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 10.8% increase in employment in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) occupations from 2021 to 2031 compared to a 4.9% increase for non-STEM careers. And – the median annual wage for STEM careers is more than double that of non-STEM careers (BLS data).
Every student should feel confident when considering their options in STEM fields. Not only does this open up a diversity of high paying, quality career possibilities for them, but it also supports the future of our growing STEM-based industries in the state. Unfortunately, less than 30% of students view themselves as a “science person,” and that number is even lower for groups underrepresented in STEM occupations.
It’s been shown that educational programming can turn that statistic around and help students see themselves as the rock star scientists and engineers they truly are. SARSEF is no exception. In fact, 85% of last year’s SARSEF Fair participants said that completing their Science and Engineering Fair project encouraged them to think about a STEM major in college and/or a career in STEM fields.
To run a fair as large as ours, we need hundreds of volunteers and judges to step up and volunteer their time and talents to the incredible youth of Southern Arizona. As one of those volunteers or judges, you could be the one who helps a student recognize their own potential.
Julie learns about 2022 ISEF finalist Yaritza Durazo’s research project
The power of a supportive adult that takes a student’s science and engineering project seriously should never be underestimated.
Think back to a time when a supportive adult took notice of you and your potential. When someone took a simple moment to let you know that you just might have a knack for something. Supportive relationships with others are important to our health and well-being no matter our age or background.
At the SARSEF Fair, you get to actively listen to a student talk about a project that matters to them. You can encourage students while still giving constructive feedback that shows you are taking them and their work seriously. You can be proof that they do have connections to an exciting STEM field and that they can work in or care about science and engineering just like you do. A single judging interview, a single interaction with a volunteer could be the inspiration a student needs to reach for their goals.
IT’S FUN
If you want to feel hopeful about future, this is your event! With SARSEF, students don’t have to wait to become scientists or engineers. With curiosity as their guide, they can start asking questions they care about and use science and engineering to find solutions that are meaningful to them, and even, the world. Being witness to their enthusiasm, dedication, and innovation can be truly awe-inspiring.
I remember my first experience judging at a science fair. Some students eagerly sought my eye contact because they were so excited to tell me all about their work. Others were shy, but once they started talking, their enthusiasm shone through. Once I get through the phase of the interview where students are shaking off their nerves, I find that conversation gets easy and that it’s a privilege to get to learn from them.
Julie co-chairing the Biomedical and Health Sciences Category at the 2017 ISEF in Los Angeles, California.
You can make a difference in a week, a day, or less.
Depending on your schedule and goals, you can volunteer with us for a few weeks, a day or a few hours. There are so many ways to participate! Here’s the rundown:
Elementary School and Middle School Judging: Elementary School judging and interviews for the 2023 SARSEF will be held virtually over Zoom. The schedule is as follows:
Attend a virtual training Tuesday, February 28 at 6pm or Wednesday, March 1 at 8:00am.
Review your list of projects through our online project floor. The project floor opens at noon on Saturday, March 4.
Determine winning projects with your caucus over Zoom on Monday, March 6 (Elementary: 1:00-3:00pm; Middle: 2:00-4:00pm).
Plan on attending at least one interview session with students over Zoom. They will take place from 4:00-6:00pm on Monday, March 6 as well as 9:00-11:00am the following day.
High School Judging: High School judging will take place in-person in the grand ballroom at the Student Union on the University of Arizona campus. The schedule is as follows:
Attend a virtual training Wednesday, March 1 at 6:00pm or Thursday, March 2 at 8:00am.
Review projects in your category ahead of time through our online project floor. The project floor opens at noon on Saturday, March 4.
Interviews and caucusing to determine winners will take place on Wednesday, March 8. Timing depends on your category, so please refer to the link below to find out when you would judge.
Judges at the high school level should be professionals in their fields (at least three to five years of experience is preferred) and/or be in the process of obtaining or hold advanced (master’s or doctoral) degrees. Middle school judges should hold a bachelor’s degree, and have some experience in their field, or teach in the selected area. Elementary school judges must have a high school education, with some experience with the age level selected, and/or interest in the field selected.
General Event Volunteering: Beyond judging, we also have a great need for general event volunteers who can ensure all goes smoothly for our student participants and their teachers and caregivers. In the week before the Fair (February 27 through March 3) we’ll need volunteers assisting us virtually to confirm projects follow our display and safety guidelines. During the Fair, you can support in-person high school interviews on March 8 or our Community Expo and Awards Ceremony March 10 through 11.
Don’t have the time to give? Plan to volunteer but want to do more? You can also consider giving a sponsored award or donating directly to our fair efforts.
High School interviews are back in person this year, but what does that mean?
Projects
High School project requirements remain the same as when we began requiring digital project submissions in 2021. This allows the judges to review projects in advance and judge more thoroughly. Project registration and all uploads are due February 26, 2023 at 11:59pm.
For information about High School project requirements, please see the high school project checklist:
We are happy to announce that High School interviews are back in-person for 2023!
Interviews are required and will take place at the University of Arizona Student Union Grand Ballroom on Wednesday, March 8, from 9:00a-3:00p. The day will include interviews with judges as well as category networking sessions similar to those held at the International Science and Engineering Fair. Students will have the opportunity to connect with other students in their category as well as STEM professionals in a related discipline. Lunch will be provided for all students. Please review all of the following information as you plan for this exciting day!
Time and location
Wednesday, March 8, 2023, 9:00a-3:00p
UArizona Student Union Ballroom
1303 E University Blvd, Level 3
Tucson, AZ 85719
Parking and transportation
Parking is limited at UA. We recommend getting dropped off or carpooling if possible. Dropoffs can be at the Student Union roundabout at 2nd and Mountain.
The UA Student Union is located along the SunLink route and is accessible by SunTran Routes 4, 5, 102X, 103X, and 105X.
If parking is necessary, the 2nd Street garage is next to the UA Student Union. The cost is $2/hr with a $16 daily maximum.
Preparation — What to bring
Upon arrival, each student will be provided with a blank tri-fold project board and a color printout of their virtual project slides. During their project set-up time, they will locate their board and arrange the printed project on their board using the supplies provided. Additionally, students may bring a laptop with simulations, physical models, prototypes, their lab journal, their project pdf, etc., to showcase and aid in the interview. Students may not print their own presentation posters or create their own project board ahead of time.This is to ensure that the judges are seeing the same project they have already reviewed prior to the interviews.
Note: Project boards are being created for ease of reference only. The digital slide deck will have already been reviewed and is the sole basis of any display score found on the judging criteria sheet. Students will not be marked down if their board is not assembled.
If students choose to bring in a laptop, physical models, prototypes, etc., these materials must follow all Display and Safety Rules, or they will not be permitted.
8:30-9:30 Check-in, UA Student Union, Level 3, Diamond Atrium
All students will check in and then follow the schedule of their appropriate track based on their category.
Track A
Categories:
Applied Technology
Chemistry
Environmental Studies
Data Science and Math
Physics and Astronomy
Plant Science
Sustainability and Renewable Energy
9:15-10:00 Project Setup, Grand Ballroom
10:00-12:00 Judges Interviews, Grand Ballroom
12:00-12:45 Lunch, Student Union (Provided for Students)
1:00-2:30 Networking Sessions
Rincon Room – Plant Science
Catalina Room – Physics and Astronomy, Chemistry
Santa Rita Room – Applied Technology, Data Science and Math
Tucson Room – Sustainability and Renewable Energy, Environmental Studies
Track B
Categories:
Animal Science
Behavioral and Social Sciences
Cellular and Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Medicine, Health, and Disease
Mental Health
Microbiology
10:00-11:30 Networking Sessions
Rincon Room – Animal Science
Catalina Room – Behavioral and Social Sciences
Santa Rita Room – Cellular and Molecular Biology and Biochemistry
Tucson Room – Medicine, Health, and Disease, Microbiology
11:30-12:15 Lunch, Student Union (Provided for Students)
12:15-1:00 Project Setup, Grand Ballroom
1:00-3:00 Judges Interviews, Grand Ballroom
Interviews — What to expect
As you enter the ballroom during your project setup time, locate your project according to the Locator Number that accompanies your project on the virtual exhibit hall. Projects will be arranged by category and then in numerical order.
You will find your board and printed project slides at your Locator Number spot. Using the materials provided, assemble the desired project slides on your board to aid in the interview. You will not be judged on this board.
Arrange any additional physical items you brought, for example, models, prototypes, a laptop, etc. You may not bring a printed poster or a project board you assembled at home. All items you bring must follow Display and Safety Rules or will not be permitted.
A Master Schedule of interviews will be posted in the Ballroom. You will know when judges are scheduled to interview you and will be able to see any breaks you may have during the interview period. Additional judges and Sponsored Awards judges may sign up in-person for one of your empty slots, so if you have a break, be sure to check that no one has signed up before having a snack or using the restroom. You won’t want to miss an additional interview!
Interviews are 8 minutes long and will begin every 10 minutes (allowing 2 minutes for judges to move to the next project).
An announcement will be made at the beginning of each interview period, and a chime will sound at the seven-minute mark so that judges may ask any last questions and wrap up the interview.
Parents, caregivers, and teachers will not be permitted on the project floor during the interview sessions. Only judges, students, and staff will be permitted in the Ballroom during interview sessions.
Wear comfortable shoes, and dress in business casual or professional attire.
Bring a water bottle and snacks.
Lunch will be provided for students.
Parents and caregivers
Parking is limited. Please plan to drop your student off at the Student Union roundabout located at Mountain and 2nd St.
Parents and caregivers will not be permitted on the project floor or in networking sessions.
Teachers
There will be a Teacher’s area in the Kachina Lounge, where educators can network and rest during the event. Light snacks will be provided for educators.
We know that so much goes into the education of our young scientists and engineers. SARSEF awards educators and schools that support STEM learning in their classrooms, however, we know that we only see a small portion of the work that goes on behind the scenes to create high quality critical-thinking and problem-solving opportunities for PreK-12 students in Arizona. We wanted to give the community a chance to nominate those unsung heroes – those educators, administrators, paraprofessionals, parents, and caregivers – that make it possible for our young learners to thrive and grow into the thinkers and solvers of tomorrow.
At the 2023 Fair and beyond, our Education Advocate Award will be presented to members of your learning communities that YOU nominate. Share with us your stories of commitment and engagement that you see throughout your classrooms and schools. Winners will receive recognition and a cash award at the SARSEF Regional Fair Awards Ceremony on March 11th, 2023. Nomination deadline is Wednesday, March 1st.
(Tucson, AZ) Judge and volunteer registration is now open for SARSEF’s 68th annual Regional Science and Engineering Fair. The 2023 Fair will be a hybrid event with all student projects submitted digitally, celebrated during an outdoor Community STEM Expo and Award Ceremony at Reid Park, on Saturday, March 11th, in person from 10:00am-5:30pm. Volunteers are needed for both virtual and in-person roles, serving as judges, monitors, and event support. Join us in supporting the innovators, problem solvers, and leaders of tomorrow from the comfort of your own home, or in-person as we transform Reid Park into a STEM wonderland.
“Do you remember a teacher or mentor from your childhood who pointed out that you were good at something? As a volunteer or judge at the SARSEF Science and Engineering Fair, you get to be that person encouraging and rewarding students for their hard work in the sciences. Imagine the difference you can make in their lives,” shared Julie Euber, SARSEF CEO.
This year’s judging will take place virtually and in-person from March 6-March 8, 2023. PreK-Middle school judging will be held virtually, while high school judging will take place in-person at the University of Arizona Ballroom.
Elementary school judges must have a high school education, with some experience with the age level selected, and/or interest in the field selected.
Middle School judges should hold a bachelor’s degree and have some experience in their field or teach in the selected area.
Judges at the high school level should be professionals in their fields (at least three to five years’ experience preferred) and/or be in the process of obtaining or hold advanced (master’s or doctoral) degrees.
“SARSEF is an incredible foundation, with numerous opportunities for scientists and engineers to serve as mentors. I eagerly look forward to volunteering as a judge every year for the SARSEF Regional Science and Engineering Fair. It is an excellent way to support young scientists and to also give back to the community. I learn something new every time that I volunteer, and I feel honored to serve as a mentor to young scientists. I strongly encourage all scientists and engineers to volunteer for this incredible opportunity to support young people in STEM fields.” said Jennifer Noble, Ph.D., Scientist and dedicated SARSEF judge.
The 2022 Fair had over 1,500 projects submitted, representing the work of nearly 7,000 students. Judges gave out over 1,000 awards, prizes, and scholarships, totaling $128,150.38.
642 students won awards on individual and team projects, while 3,990 won awards as part of a class project – 63% of all award winners attended a Title I school. Awards are given to students and teachers in all grade levels and subject areas. Volunteer opportunities are available February 27 through March 11. Time commitments range from a few hours to several days.
Beyond the fair, SARSEF works year-round to ensure all students have the resources and access they need to pursue their own science projects. Students are encouraged to think of a problem in their lives, community or world that they would want to solve, while teachers and parents receive guidance on how to support students’ work.
About SARSEF:
SARSEF was formed in 1955 in an effort to increase student interest in the field of science. The mission of SARSEF is to engage Arizona’s Pre-K-12 grade students in critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they participate in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) through inquiry-based learning and research.
SARSEF accomplishes this mission through a variety of programming including a high school mentoring program, the STAR Lab, SARSEF Fair Week, educational outreach programs with an emphasis on underrepresented populations in the sciences, teacher professional development, ACES Camp for Middle School girls, Racing the Sun, and Arizona STEM Adventure.
To learn more about SARSEF programs and how students, teachers, and families can get involved, visit https://sarsef.org/
Media Contact:
Yvonne Pysher, Director of Marketing and Communications
We were in awe of the incredible science and engineering projects that students from across Arizona completed this school year! If you haven’t had an opportunity to see them yet, be sure to visit virtualfair.sarsef.org.
SARSEF is one of three affiliated fairs in Arizona that selects the top high school projects at their Science and Engineering Fair to represent Arizona at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (Regeneron ISEF). Projects from all over the world attend to compete at ISEF as the next generation of innovators!
At this year’s fair, eight high school students were selected to attend ISEF: Christopher Miranda (Harvest Preparatory Academy), Arjun Gupta (Quest for Education and Arts), Karah Mayer (Tanque Verde High School), Nathaniel van der Leeuw and Lily Wood (University High School), Alexander Nelson (Nelson Home School), Yaritza Durazo (Sunnyside High School), Ashley Valencia (Harvest Preparatory Academy), Julianna Serna-Ortiz (Harvest Preparatory Academy).
We had the opportunity to interview them recently to learn about their experiences in research and at the fair. Scroll to the bottom of this post to find the list of winners including links to their projects in our virtual exhibit hall!
What inspired you to do your research project?
Ashely Valencia: I have always felt drawn to the sciences and while in high school I found out about all the different science fairs. This year I wanted to do a project that not only could help my community, but the entire world. Furthermore, I hope to pursue a career in the field of medicine and I decided to look into world health problems. I found out that roughly 3.4 billion individuals worldwide, are affected by oral diseases, especially in third world countries. I wanted to research ways to prevent some of these diseases.
Alexander Nelson: I have studied plant sciences throughout my high school research, with a particular interest in how plants respond under unfavorable conditions. After meeting my mentors Dr. Cedar Warman and Dr. Ravishankar Palanivelu through the STAR Lab, and learning about their research, I was fascinated and wanted to pursue research alongside their studies.
Lily Wood: I had the opportunity to learn MATLab last summer and I wanted a project that would allow me to use it. I was also interested in learning more about global warming, especially living here in Tucson where it is already hot.
Julianna Serna-Ortiz: The current solutions for plastic pollution, PLA and oxo-biodegradable plastics, are found to be inefficient since they require a special composting facility to biodegrade. In this project I am trying to create a new biodegradable plastic with anitmicrobial properties that can be greatly beneficial for the environment.
What’s something unexpected you learned while doing your research?
Ashley Valencia: Oral diseases affect a despicable amount of people around the world. People should not be ashamed of their smile just because they lack the resources. That is why I decided to focus on this topic.
Alexander Nelson: This year, I studied in vitro pollen growth and in vivo flower measurements. Through the guidance of my mentors, I learned how to integrate my subsequent findings into meaningful analyses using coding languages. This was a new experience and I learned many valuable skills in the process.
Julianna Serna-Ortiz: Out of all the different things I learned through the process of my research, what surprised me the most was that I can make a plastic out of algae and corn! When I heard about this experiment, I really couldn’t believe it was possible to do such thing, and still, when people hear about my project they look at me confused which I think is so funny.
What has ISEF meant for you?
Ashley Valencia: ISEF will be a wonderful opportunity and experience for me. ISEF opens up many opportunities that were not available to me without it. I am very excited to hear and see all of the amazing research projects everybody has done this year.
Alexander Nelson: Throughout my childhood, ISEF has been an icon of scientific excellence that I have strived to achieve. In essence, ISEF was a microcosm of all my future goals all wrapped up in one week. My desire to attend ISEF spawned many of my projects, culminating in three finalist presentations throughout high school. I am immeasurably grateful to all those who have helped me make this dream a possibility.
Julianna Serna-Ortiz: Getting to attend ISEF is a massive privilege and honestly my biggest achievement in my life as of now. I couldn’t be more grateful to all the people who gave me the chance to participate in this magnificent event and let me represent the state of Arizona. All I can say is thank you to all the people of ISEF who work really hard to give us students this amazing privilege of getting to be there and participate!
What words of advice or encouragement do you want to share with other student scientists?
Ashley Valencia:As a first-generation student I feel like I should do something important with my life because my parents never had the opportunities and resources we have available to us now. I want my parents to feel proud of me. While doing this research project I have been given many fantastic opportunities, like scholarships, extracurriculars, experience, Traveling, etc. What I want to say is that you should do something you love doing and feel proud of. Dream Big. Anything is possible if you set your mind to it!
Alexander Nelson: Allow me to preface: doing ‘good science’ is difficult, requiring lots of critical thinking and hard work. But, if you commit yourself to following the scientific process from start to finish, you are in for the ride of your life. Nothing is as exhilarating as conducting your own scientific review, formulating hypotheses, and watching them come to life through your own research. It’s worth the commitment.
Julianna Serna-Ortiz: If you’re doing something that you truly passionately love and you really, but genuinely, think that you can change the world with your idea, I’d just say go for it an don’t be afraid of making mistakes because that is just a sign that you’re slowly getting there.
