North Carolina Science Fair Foundation

iseflogo2The North Carolina Science Fair Foundation (NCSFF) is a non-profit educational organization that is the proud sponsor of the North Carolina Science and Engineering Fair (NCSEF). The NCSFF supports the NCSEF through fundraising and outreach to inspire innovation and excellence in student research.

The NCSEF is affiliated with the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). ISEF is organized by the Society for Science & the Public dedicated to the public engagement in scientific research and education. Their vision is to promote the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement: to inform, educate, inspire. Through this affiliation, selected NCSEF students progress to compete in the Broadcom Master’s Program for grades 5-8 and the ISEF for grades 9-12. ISEF provides the rules and regulations governing student engaged research and safety for the NCSEF.

Mission

The North Carolina Science Fair Foundation (NCSFF) is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to promote science literacy in elementary-, middle-, and high-school students through participation in inquiry-based learning. 

NCSFF promotes science and engineering research by partnering with the community to integrate student scientific research into science education.

NCSFF works to increase diversity and engagement of underrepresented student populations in science and engineering research.

NCSFF organizes science and engineering fairs to showcase and celebrate student success in research and learning.

Vision Statement

The North Carolina Science Fair Foundation (NCSFF) will be a leader in providing opportunities to the diverse student population of primary and secondary education in the state to become scientifically literate citizens, and contribute to society as science and engineering leaders.

Goals

1. Provide effective internal and external communications

2. Support outreach and professional development activities for stakeholders

3. Develop and maintain a strong and effective board

4. Attract and develop partners to expand the impact and reach of NCSFF

5. Develop and maintain strong resource acquisition plans to support NCSFF activities

6. Support regional fairs and regional fair directors

Contacts

 

Foundation Officers

Rachel Graham
Chair 

UNC Chapel Hill
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Chris Ashwell
Immediate Past Chair

NC State University
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Mohammed Ahmed
Chair Elect

North Carolina Central University
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Theresa Scocca
Secretary

Rho
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 My favorite part of the science fair is seeing the young competitors excited about not only their projects but the entire experience - explaining their idea and results to experts, visiting a college campus, and meeting fellow competitors who are also excited about science, engineering, and technology.

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Susan Morin

Interim Treasurer

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 If we want to build a better tomorrow, I believe we need to get young people interested in science and engineering. NCSEF provides an environment for an interest to grow, so inspiring minds can create, design, and expand concepts into realities.

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Theresa Gibson
Executive Director

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 I am excited and honored to join the North Carolina Science Fair Foundation. The passion and commitment of the Foundation to support NC
students to innovate through scientific inquiry and engineering design research is critically important. Students are the critical thinkers and dreamers of today and tomorrow which is why I believe that regardless of what career path they ultimately choose, supporting them to be self-directed and curious through STEM explorations prepares them to be the leaders of the future. 

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Judy Day
Fair Director

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Foundation Board Members

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Tom Williams
Development

Strategic Educational Alliances, Inc
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 NCSEF is important to me because it encourages students to explore questions they have about the sciences or explore engineering challenges that intrigue them. This type of student engagement enhances their ownership and motivation to learn beyond a test question. 

Pamela Lovin
Awards Coordinator

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Susan Morin
Volunteer Coordinator

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 If we want to build a better tomorrow, I believe we need to get young people interested in science and engineering. NCSEF provides an environment for an interest to grow, so inspiring minds can create, design, and expand concepts into realities.

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Scott Ryals
Judge Coordinator

NCDENR
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  I have been involved with the Science Fair for going on 10 years and each year it is amazing and encouraging to see the ingenuity, inquisitiveness, and desire to learn exhibited by all the students who enter the competition. My involvement and interaction with the students continues to rekindle my love for science.

Rachel Graham
Scientific Review Committee

UNC Medical Center
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Manley Midgett
Outreach Coordinator

Meredith College
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Sara Smith
Awards

UNC-Charlotte
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Beth Harris
Web Master

Seven Oaks Consulting
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Scott Billman
Past Chairperson

Biogen
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Elizabeth Wolfinger
Past Chairperson

Meredith College
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nullAngie Mullinex
Board Member

North Carolina Department of Public Instruction
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 As a state leader in education and parent to two school-age children who look forward to their science classes, the science fair, and other opportunities for inquiry-based learning, I recognize the positive impact NCSFF has on the lives of our state’s students. Expanding opportunities for authentic learning for ALL students is a passion of mine, and I believe that the NCSFF is a pathway to make that a reality.

Tom Daly
Board Member

Retired Superintendent
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Gabi Ghali
Board Member

Red Hat
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Ryan Gilmore
Board Member

Satsuma Pharmaceuticals
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  I believe the NCSEF is important because as a scientist myself, I feel it is important to motivate students toward science. The science fair contributes to a student’s social skills development, pubic speaking skills and problem solving abilities. Watching students hypothesize an idea and reach a conclusion is truly an exciting thing to experience.

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Sandra Halverson
Board Member

Social & Scientific Systems, Inc.
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 Exposure to science changed the trajectory of my life and I believe the NCSFF offers many of the same opportunities to students of all ages. The science fair allows students to challenge themselves, to bring an idea to fruition, to develop their critical thinking and presentation skills, and to work with others who share their interest in science. Watching students present their hard work with pride and joy is what the science fair is all about. 

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Frieda Sanders
Board Member

Pfizer
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 NCSEF is integral in promoting youth creativity, talent, and scientific based inquiry by providing opportunities to showcase through STEM exploration. That is definitely something that I want to be a part of and serve to support tomorrows leaders.

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Elizabeth Turpin
Board Member

Applied Lifesciences & Systems
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  I believe in the power of inquiry-based learning to excite students about science and transform them from students into scientists. The NC Science and Engineering Fairs provides a forum to showcase the student’s learnings and talents. Being a part of the NCSEF Board will allow me to participate in the student’s development and bring a passion for science to all areas of North Carolina.

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James Tyus
Board Member

Zoetis, Inc.
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The importance of science fairs extends beyond the (very valuable) technical training students receive. Students develop confidence as they share their work and hone communication skills. They get a sense of pride from competing hard, whether they win or not. They learn grace in defeat. These experiences, and what they take from them, make for more well-rounded students and citizens.

Regional Directors

Eric Anderson
Region 1 Director

East Carolina University
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Dr. Heddy Clark
Region 2 Director

Interim Director at CESTEM
UNC Wilmington
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blankRebecca Dalton
Region 3A Director

Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory
North Carolina State University
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Dr. Rebecca Dalton is a postdoctoral researcher at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory in Gothic, Colorado and North Carolina State University, and she studies how climate change affects plants, insects, and animals. She is excited to start two new roles this summer in North Carolina: as an ecologist at the Environmental Protection Agency and as the Region 3A Fair Director. 

When Rebecca moved to North Carolina in 2014 for graduate school, she began working behind the scenes at the NCSEF Region 3A science fair. Rebecca was eager to get involved with NCSEF because she participated in science fairs growing up, and knew how important designing her own projects were to her growth as a scientist. Rebecca is thrilled to now have the opportunity to work with young scientists, teachers, and parents as the 3A regional director. 

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John Bennett
Region 3B Director

NC School of Science and Math
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  NCSEF provides important opportunities for students to develop and share their interests and passions for the STEM fields. We need to encourage students to pursue these fields that are critical for understanding our world.

riceQuinton Rice
Region 4 Director

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I think science is best experienced through direct observation, experimentation, and discovery. NCSEF supports this by fostering inquisitive learning while simultaneously making science approachable to a diverse group of students. I am very proud to be a part of something that can impact the lives of students across North Carolina.

Judy Day
Interim Region 5 Director

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Alisa Wickliff
Region 6 Director

UNC-Charlotte
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Coleman Bailey
Region 7 Director

Appalachian State University
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Dr. Kelley Dinkelmeyer
Region 8 Director

Western Carolina University
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