UTICA — Utica University held its 44th annual Regional Science Fair on Saturday, April 1, bringing together some of the brightest students from the Mohawk Valley.

Students from Clinton, Poland, Remsen, Rome, Utica and Whitesboro school districts, along with the Utica Academy of Science Charter School had their science projects on display in the Donahue Concourse, underneath the Frank E. Gannett Memorial Library.

Since 1978, the science fair has taken place with a mission to bolster math and science programs across the Mohawk Valley and to encourage students to pursue their academic interests in STEM education.

Student projects were categorized by grades 7 and 8 in the junior level and grades 9 through 12 in the senior level. Student projects were also categorized under three topics: physical science, natural science, and math, engineering, and computer science.

Volunteer judges from local colleges, the technology and research industries, as well as medical professionals and civilian and military staff members, examined every project on display prior to allowing the public into the exhibit area and to learn about the projects from the students.

"The future is very bright with all of you at the helm of science and STEM," Jessica Thomas said to the students participating in this year's science fair. Thomas, a professor of biology at Utica University, serves as the director of the regional science fair.

Grand Champion winners

• Grand Champion - Senior Level: "The Effect of the Nonionic Detergent NP-40 on Pigment Production and Biofilm Development in Pseudomonas uticensis" by Angelina Le, Utica City School District.
• Runner-up Grand Champion - Senior Level: "Myco-tecture: Assessing the Strength of Mushroom Bricks" by Dennis van Hoesel, Rome City School District.
• Grand Champion - Junior Level: "Noxious Neighbors" by Trent Jenny, Remsen Central School District.

First prize winners

• Physical Science - Senior Level: "Oil-Be-Gone: Ecofriendly Oil Disposal Alternatives" by Karl van Hoesel, Rome City School District.
• Natural Science - Senior Level: "The Effect of the Nonionic Detergent NP-40 on Pigment Production and Biofilm Development in Pseudomonas uticensis" by Angelina Le, Utica City School District.
• Math, Engineering & Computer Science - Senior Level: "Myco-tecture: Assessing the Strength of Mushroom Bricks" by Dennis van Hoesel, Rome City School District.
• Physical Science - Junior Level: "Project Wind Power" by Jackson LaBella and James Lehman, Remsen Central School District.
• Natural Science - Junior Level: "Noxious Neighbors" by Trent Jenny, Remsen Central School District.
• Math, Engineering & Computer Science - Junior Level: "Hot vs Cold: Which produces more energy?" by Alanah Lawlor and Cynthia Poczatek, Remsen Central School District.

Second prize winners

• Physical Science - Senior Level: "Better Safe Than Sorry!" by Emily Smith, Poland Central School District.
• Natural Science - Senior Level: "When Life Gives You Berries" by Abdullah Shaik, Rome City School District.
• Math, Engineering & Computer Science - Senior Level: "Metal conduction speed" by Noah Long, Whitesboro Central School District.
• Physical Science - Junior Level: "Music in a Bottle" by Evalyn Gates and Alexis Stevens, Remsen Central School District.
• Natural Science - Junior Level: "The Backyard Poultry Music Test" by Brooklyn Helmer and Olivia Lalyer, Remsen Central School District.
• Math, Engineering & Computer Science - Junior Level: "Plant Growth" by Jalyn Castleberry and Amazyn Edwards, Utica Academy of Science Charter School.

Third prize winners

• Physical Science - Senior Level: "Our School's Water" by Gemma Spadea, Clinton Central School District.
• Natural Science - Senior Level: "Bacteria On The Most Exposed Places" by Karyn Castellano, Poland Central School District.
• ​​​​​​​Physical Science - Junior Level: "The PVC Project" by Bryce Graves and Owen Piaschyk, Remsen Central School District.
• Natural Science - Junior Level: "Phobias" by Ellen Bowen and Mia Torre, Clinton Central School District.
• Math, Engineering & Computer Science - Junior Level: "Squishy Robot Simulator" by Aysen Sann and Amier Win, Utica Academy of Science Charter School.

Fourth prize winners

• Physical Science - Senior Level: "Optical illusions" by Kadence Heinlein, Whitesboro Central School District.
• Natural Science - Senior Level: "How Well Does Your Mouthwash Kill Bacteria?" by Jack Hoffman, Poland Central School District.
• ​​​​​​​Physical Science - Junior Level: "Water Works" by Kade Haver, Poland Central School District.
• Natural Science - Junior Level: "Diabetes: Insulin vs. Metformin" by Emily Spatto, Remsen Central School District.
• Math, Engineering & Computer Science - Junior Level: "Wind Turbine Model" by Robert Furch and Maximilian Moo, Utica Academy of Science Charter School.

First through fourth-place winners took home cash awards ranging from $25 to $100 and a certificate, medal, and ribbon recognizing their accomplishments. The Grand Champion - Junior Level winner was awarded a $500 tuition-remitted scholarship to Utica University for one year, along with a trophy and certificate. The runner-up Grand Champion - Senior Level was awarded a half-tuition scholarship to Utica University for one year, along with a trophy and certificate. The Grand Champion - Senior Level was awarded a half-tuition scholarship to Utica University for two years, as well as a trophy and certificate.

As the winner of the university's Grand Champion - Senior Level prize, Angelina Le will also be invited to compete in the 2023 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Dallas, Texas, next month. Utica University will be sponsoring her and a chaperone to participate in the event. Should Le not be able to participate, Dennis van Hoesel, the runner-up, will be invited to compete.

"I hope that all of this is one moment in time in your young science careers that will encourage you to continue to think critically and reflectively about the world around you," Todd Pfannestiel, provost and vice president at Utica University, remarked to the students. "It's your efforts displayed here today that self-empower you to act responsibly for a better community throughout the rest of your lives."