Empowering the next generation of problem-solvers and leaders, Slippery Rock University welcomed nearly 300 area high school students to campus on Feb. 21 to present their science projects during the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science’s Region IX meeting.
The PJAS is a statewide organization of students in junior and senior high that nurtures interest in science through hands-on research projects, inquiry and investigations. SRU has hosted the annual event for 28 years, a testament to the University’s long-standing investment in the youth of the region through education.
What sets this year apart from past years is the inclusion of the first ever PJAS STEM Career Expo. In previous years, students spent their free time checking out campus, but this time the students got the chance to speak with representatives from numerous scientific careers including SRU faculty, students and industry partners, about professions in science, technology, engineering and math.
“There are just so many opportunities in STEM that I don’t think students know the breadth of what they can do if they want to go into this field,” said Nicole Dafoe, Dean of the College of Engineering and Science.“I hope that we have helped to fuel their excitement for STEM.”
The students’ presentations, which covered numerous categories of the sciences, were judged for scholarships and monetary awards of $100 to $12,000 by students and faculty volunteers from SRU. These awards were funded by the SRU Foundation, Inc., and University departments and academic units.
The following SRU Foundation Scholarship winners were awarded $3,000-per-year scholarships, renewable up to four years, to attend SRU and major in a science:
- Eva Nealen, from Indiana HS, won Outstanding 12th Grade Presenter for “CORPUS: A Novel Biocompatible Prosthetic.”
- Caden Cusato, from South Side HS, won Outstanding 11th Grade Presenter for “Rust Resistance of Mild Steel.”
Other cash award winners receiving $100 included:
- Maddalyn Beichner, Seneca Valley HS.
- Eva Nealen, Indiana HS.
- Juliet Miller, Butler HS.
- Dava Masters, Sharpsville HS.
- Hamza Ashfaq, Homeschooled.
- Emily Cornish, Butler HS.
- Isaiah Thomas, North Catholic HS.
- William Matayasovsky, Wilmington HS.
- Clayton Stephens, Wilmington HS.
- Chase Martineau, Wilmington HS.
- Cylas Fry-Stutzman, Lakeview HS.
- Elizabeth Bersett, Wilmington HS.
- Quinten Becki, Lakeview HS.
- Drew Mimis, Indiana HS.
- Chloe Boots, Riverside HS.
- Henry Haven, Homer-Center HS.
More information about PJAS Region IX is available online. More information about SRU science programs is available on the University website.