Central Ky. Science Fair at UK Thrives

LEXINGTON, Ky. (April 1, 2010) − Get out of the lab and put some meaning into your life!

Biology faculty member and Central Kentucky Regional Science and Engineering Fair (CKRSEF) Director Edward DeMoll sends out an annual science fair call to action to University of Kentucky researchers.

Two hundred Fayette County public, private, and home schooled students from 4th to 12th grade presented their research in the UK Student Ballroom this year on Feb. 27.

"We are giving Kentucky students an avenue to discovery and are providing established investigators a way to interact with those budding scientists," said DeMoll. "Once you activate someone through a science fair experience, whether you're a student participating, or a faculty member judging, they're hooked."

Seven years ago, biology professor Robin Cooper established the CKRSEF at UK, and DeMoll took over the directorship three years ago. DeMoll has been hooked for 10 years -- ever since he and Cooper helped run the Glendover Elementary Science fair in which their own children participated.

"Everyone has a lot of fun," said DeMoll. "Some people are surprised, but they come back to me time and time again, saying, 'I had a good time doing it.'"

While the event is sometimes light-hearted and is always full of learning, it is still a competition; the top 10 percent of students from each school go to their respective district science fair. Ten percent of those students go on to the CKRSEF.

From here, the students will go on to The Kentucky State Science & Engineering Fair on Saturday, April 3, and at least four students will present their work at the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF) from May 8 to May 15 in San Jose, Calif.

Last year, UK's regional fair was only one of six fairs worldwide that had at least three individuals place in the category awards at the ISEF, the world's largest pre-college science fair competition in the world with 54 countries and all 50 states represented.

"I think it is important, especially with regard to recruitment of high technology industry to our area, to have the world know that the schools in Lexington are producing a high caliber of science student," said DeMoll. "This is important to Kentucky, but also to UK."

UK neuroscience major and second place Intel ISEF category winner Ann Cooper began science fair projects in 3rd grade, before she was even able to compete. "I think presenting at local science fairs in front of faculty built up my confidence for the bigger scientific meetings," she said. "And through Intel, I made new contacts with people around the U.S., which will help me with future projects."

The UK science fair is judged by volunteer UK professors, graduate students and post-doctoral researchers. "Students have high quality interaction and judging. They get to talk to actual scientists," said DeMoll. "Of course, high schoolers don't show their enthusiasm as much, but the 4th graders get into it big time.  Some are a bit nervous, but others are bouncing off the walls."

Morton Middle School seventh grader Zachary Byrd took his first trip to the CKRSEF in 4th grade. This year, his solar science project will take him to state. "It's really great to get support and advice from the judges," he said. "And the students support each other, too."

Byrd, like many local middle school and high school students, also spends time with UK researchers in the lab.  He was even able to perform his science fair experiment this year on campus.

"This is a part of UK's mission," said DeMoll. "Being involved is rewarding on its own, but the kids are interested, and we're giving them positive feedback. It's a win-win situation."

For more information, contact DeMoll at eldemol@email.uky.edu.