Utica — Scientific knowledge drives the world forward, and at the wheel is an ever-growing and ever-changing roster of brilliant, great thinkers. On Saturday, April 1st, the latest generation of great scientists will come together as middle and high school students from across the region gather for the 44th Annual Utica University Regional Science Fair.
The fair will be held at the Donahue Concourse under the Frank Gannett Library. The exhibition will be closed to the public from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm while the jury evaluates the participants and their work.
At 12:30 pm, family, friends and judges will be invited to the McFarlane Auditorium to present certificates, ribbons and medals to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place winners.
The public will be invited to the Donahue Concourse exhibition area at 1:00 pm for a demonstration. Then, at 2:00 PM, an awards ceremony will be held on the concourse to announce the Grand Champion, Runner-up, and Special Prize winners.
Welcome address and special guest recognition by Jessica Thomas, Director of the Regional Science Fair and Professor of Biology, followed by Todd J. Panestiel, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and soon-to-be President-Elect of Utica University Remarks by Sharon Wise, Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, at the ceremony.
The Utica University Regional Science Fair was established in 1978 with the dual goals of enhancing regional K-12 math and science programs and increasing awareness and interest in student learning in math and science.
This science conference embodies these goals by presenting a forum where talented students can demonstrate their enthusiasm and interest in science. Many individuals have spent a long time planning, garnering support and interest, and making the event happen on the day that guests are invited.
“The Regional Science Fair Planning Committee and I are thrilled to be back with a regular in-person fair after two years of virtual fairs,” said Thomas. “Judges and students are clearly excited about the growing number of participants ready to share their passion and interest in science on April 1st.”
All levels of competition will be evaluated during the course of the event. For the purposes of judging, the senior level in grades 9-12 and the junior level in grades 7-8 are divided into three categories: Physical Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Mathematics/Computer Science/Engineering respectively.
Student projects will be evaluated independently by two judges and awards will be given to 1st through 4th place in each of the three categories. After three independent evaluations, the project with the highest overall score in each category will be awarded the Grand Championship.
Projects are simultaneously judged for special field-specific awards supported by professional organizations, government agencies, and many generous individuals.
Science fair judges are volunteer local individuals, some of whom have been on the board for over 20 years. Judges include faculty from Utica University, Hamilton College, SUNY Institute of Technology, Herkimer County Community College, and Mohawk Valley Community College. Engineers and personnel from the local technical and research industries. medical professionals; civilian and military staff members of the Intelligence Directorate of the Air Force Research Institute in Rome;
The Utica University Regional Science Fair is affiliated with and sanctioned by the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, the governing body of science fairs since 1980.
The Senior Level Grand Champion will be invited to the 2023 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, May 13-19 in Dallas. Utica University will sponsor one of his competitors and one of his chaperones participating in the event.
