20 North Carolina high school students presented their research at the 2022 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)! 1,750 students from 49 states and 63 countries, regions, and territories competed for the nearly $8 million in awards and prizes. From May 4 to May 13, 2022, these young scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs and inventors convened virtually and face to face to connect with their peers and global STEM leaders through a variety of events and the culminating Awards Ceremony.
North Carolina students advanced to ISEF from the state level NC Science and Engineering Fair (12 projects), the Central Region 3A NC Science and Engineering Fair (1 project), the NC School of Science and Mathematics Region 3B Science and Engineering Fair (2 projects), and the UNC Charlotte NC Science and Engineering Fair Region 6 (2 projects). A total of 17 projects and 20 students represented North Carolina.
Wolfram Research, Inc. endowed all ISEF finalists with one year access to their software in the hopes that, “...they will be able to eventually make possible what today seems implausible, and that their education and growth inspires those yet to come to also embrace the sciences.” (Special Awards Organizations, Society for Science Website)
ISEF Grand Awards received by North Carolina Students
Animal Sciences | Fourth Award of $500
ANIM052 — Collective Behavior and Coastal Health: How Individual Personality Influences Population Mortality in a Marsh Ecosystem Predator-Prey Interaction
Regan Williams , John T Hoggard High School, NC, United States of America
Biochemistry | Fourth Award of $500
BCHM035 — Computational and Experimental Design of a Novel Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor: Silanediols for Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment
Archita Khaire, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, NC, United States of America
Biomedical Engineering | Fourth Award of $500
ENBM051 — Development of a Bioactive, Biodegradable, and Variable-Density 3D Printer Filament for Patient-Specific Bone Reconstructive Implants
Jacob Rose, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, NC, United States of America
Earth and Environmental Sciences | Fourth Award of $500
EAEV007 — Developing a Machine Model to Predict Wildfire Risk and Identify Key Wildfire Drivers in California
Angela Chen, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, NC, United States of America
Environmental Engineering | Fourth Award of $500
ENEV021T — Sustainable Subsistence: A Low-Cost Method of Greywater Recycling for Hydroponic Agriculture
Josephine Barber, Mercer Island High School, WA, United States of America
Mason Sufnarski, Marvin Ridge High School, NC, United States of America
Systems Software | Fourth Award of $500
SOFT051 — Sustainability Scanner: Empowering Consumers To Make Eco-Friendly Grocery Purchases
Jay Nimbalkar, Green Hope High School, NC, United States of America
Translational Medical Science | Third Award of $1000
TMED056 — AutoFlow: A Novel Method for Assessing Minimal Residual Disease in Breast Cancer Patients by Identifying Bone Marrow Disseminated Tumor Cells Using Flow Cytometry Data
Dheepthi Mohanraj, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, NC, United States of America
ISEF Special Awards received by North Carolina Students
American Meteorological Society | The American Meteorological Society (AMS) is the nation’s leading scientific and professional society advancing the atmospheric and related sciences, technologies, applications, and services for the benefit of society. Founded in 1919, the AMS has a membership of more than 14,000 professionals, students, and weather enthusiasts. AMS offers numerous scholarships and fellowships to support students pursuing careers in the field.
Honorable Mention of $125
EAEV007 — Developing a Machine Model to Predict Wildfire Risk and Identify Key Wildfire Drivers in California
Angela Chen, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, Cary, NC, United States of America
American Statistical Association |The American Statistical Association is the world’s largest community of statisticians. The ASA supports excellence in the development, application, and dissemination of statistical and data science through meetings, publications, membership services, education, accreditation, and advocacy. Our members serve in industry, government, and academia in more than 90 countries, advancing research and promoting sound statistical practice to inform public policy and improve human welfare.
First Award of $1,500
EAEV007 — Developing a Machine Model to Predict Wildfire Risk and Identify Key Wildfire Drivers in California
Angela Chen, North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics, Cary, NC, United States of America
National Security Agency Research Directorate | The NSA Research Directorate is one of the most established research organizations in the U.S. Intelligence Community. As a world leader in science and technology, Research engages with leading industries, universities, and national laboratories to both advance core competencies and to leverage work in overlapping disciplines. The ISEF Special Awards recognize exceptional research that demonstrates world-class skills in mathematics, computer science, cybersecurity, engineering, physics, and neuroscience while promoting research that can assure and protect cyberspace.
First Place Award “Material Science”
ENEV088T — Further Studies on the Application of Novel Rapidly Degrading Bioplastics Derived From Upcycled Waste Products To Replace Polystyrene and Polypropylene in Single-Use Hard Plastics Like Cutlery
Kaitlyn Lee Zuravel, Terry Sanford High School, Fayetteville, NC, United States of America
Lauren Gail Zuravel, Terry Sanford High School, Fayetteville, NC, United States of America
Oracle Academy | Award of $5,000 for outstanding project in the systems software category. As Oracle’s global, philanthropic educational program, Oracle Academy advances computing education around the world to increase knowledge, innovation, skills development, and diversity in technology fields. The program engages with thousands of educational institutions and educators in more than 130 countries, helping millions of students become career ready. Oracle Academy is proud and honored to support the next generation of STEM innovators through ISEF.
SOFT051 — Sustainability Scanner: Empowering Consumers To Make Eco-Friendly Grocery Purchases
Jay Omkar Nimbalkar, Green Hope High School, Cary, NC, United States of America
United States Environmental Protection Agency | From nanomaterials a billionth of a meter in size to global climate dynamics, EPA scientists and engineers are investigating every scale of our environment and the links between environment and human health. EPA conducts research that addresses the highest priority science needs of the nation. The work performed by EPA scientists, engineers and their research partners improves the quality of the air we breathe, the water that sustains us, and the land upon which we live.
Honorable Mention
ENEV021T — Sustainable Subsistence: A Low-Cost Method of Greywater Recycling for Hydroponic Agriculture
Josephine Anne Barber, Mercer Island High School, Mercer Island, WA, United States of America
Mason Brandt Sufnarski, Marvin Ridge High School, Waxhaw, NC, United States of America
University of Arizona | Established in 1885, the University of Arizona is the state’s land-grant university. Recognized as a global leader, Arizona is also a leader in research, bringing more than $622 million in research investment each year, and ranking 21st among all public universities. Arizona offers over 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in 16 academic colleges. Arizona will award scholarships to outstanding awardees who have demonstrated robust research for the greater good of society.
Renewal Tuition Scholarship
ANIM052 — Collective Behavior and Coastal Health: How Individual Personality Influences Population Mortality in a Marsh Ecosystem Predator-Prey Interaction
Regan Catherine Williams , John T Hoggard High School, Wilmington, NC, United States of America
ISEF Grand Awards Winners:
https://www.societyforscience.org/press-release/regeneron-isef-full-awards-2022/
ISEF Special Awards Winners:
https://www.societyforscience.org/press-release/regeneron-isef-2022-special-awards-winners-announced/
NCSEF Award Winners:
http://ncsef.org/index.php/ncsef/winners
Dr. Rachel Graham, Chair of the nonprofit NC Science Fair Foundation said, “Our North Carolina students continue to illustrate that their STEM research is among the most competitive in the US and across the globe. We are committed to expanding our outreach so that every student who is interested in STEM research and innovation in all 100 counties statewide can pursue this opportunity for excellence at the school, regional, and state levels.”
The NC Science Fair Foundation (NCSFF), sponsor of the NC Science and Engineering Fair and its 9 Regional Competitions across North Carolina, is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit, volunteer driven organization. Its mission is to increase inquiry-based student research in STEM related areas of study in Grades 3-12 by “Inspiring Innovation in Student Research”. NCSEF is the state affiliate to the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).
For more information about being a judge, volunteer, or sponsor, please contact Theresa Gibson, Executive Director, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit the NCSEF website at http://www.ncsef.org
For more information about the ISEF Grand Awards and Top Awards, please visit https://www.societyforscience.org/isef/grand-awards/. In addition, dozens of corporate, academic, government, and scientific organizations give Special Awards. For more information, please visit https://www.societyforscience.org/isef/special-award-organizations/.
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