Each year, seven million students from around the world create science and research projects for a chance to go to the International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF). Only 1,600 winners of local, regional, state, and national competitions are invited to showcase their findings at the fair which celebrates math, science, engineering, and technology.
This year, two Steinbrenner students, sophomore Michael Addelman and junior Goldi Shaw competed in the STEM fair, which took place between Feb. 10-12 at the Tampa Conventional Center for a chance to participate in the ISEF.
Addelman focused his endeavors on the engineering aspect of research where he found out the coefficient of the restitution of golf balls, and how water affected those results. Shaw on the other hand focused her sights on zoology, looking at an alternative way to diagnose lymphoma in dogs.
Part of the rules indicates participants must have an adult sponsor which, from Steinbrenner, is chemistry teachers Michelle Yarish and Yung Romano.
“They’ve been working on their project independently. It hasn’t been a part of their coursework, so they’ve done this above and beyond their regular coursework,” said Yarish.
Of the two competitors, Shaw is the only one expected to participate in the ISEF competition scheduled to take place in los Angeles, CA between May 6-11.
“I’m nervous, because before the ISEF fair in May, I have the State Science Fair for more experience in April. But I’m most nervous to be compared to students from all over the world. Honestly I’m not as concerned with how I’ll do, I’m just really honored to go,” said Shaw.
Her project a researched a blood test for lymphoma in dogs, a goal that Shaw was successful in achieving.
Each category has different awards for the selected winners. Including The Dudley R. Herschbach SIYSS Award, The Intel Foundation Young Scientists Award, and reserved for the individual successful in winning the entire fair, the Gordon E. Moore award is given accompanied by a scholarship of $75,000.
With the upcoming ISEF competition looming on the horizon, Shaw is anxious to see how successful her project will be and for the overall experience to be attained from the special opportunity Hannah Crosby/News Editor
