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More than 35 students competing at the MN State Science and Engineering Fair won the opportunity to go on to attend the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF), the world's largest pre-college science competition. There they joined approximately 1,800 high school students from more than 75 countries, regions, and territories to showcase their research and compete for millions in prizes. This year, Intel ISEF was held May 13 - 18 in Pittsburg, PA. For a list of Minnesota winners, click here. 

More than 35 students competing at the MN State Science and Engineering Fair won the opportunity to go on to attend the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF), the world's largest pre-college science competition. There they joined approximately 1,800 high school students from more than 75 countries, regions, and territories to showcase their research and compete for millions in prizes. This year, Intel ISEF was held May 13 - 18 in Pittsburg, PA. For a list of Minnesota winners, click here. 

More than 35 students competing at the MN State Science and Engineering Fair won the opportunity to go on to attend the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF), the world's largest pre-college science competition. There they joined approximately 1,800 high school students from more than 75 countries, regions, and territories to showcase their research and compete for millions in prizes. This year, Intel ISEF was held May 13 - 18 in Pittsburg, PA. For a list of Minnesota winners, click here. 

Our 2018 Annual meeting/Winchell Undergraduate Research Symposium was held Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the University of St. Thomas 

 Winchell research projects conducted in 2018 by undergraduates throughout Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin, were presented April 21, 2018, at the University of St. Thomas.

A few of the Winchell research projects conducted this year by undergraduates throughout Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin, which were presented April 22, 2017, at Macalester College.

 A Mayo Clinic doctor had samples but not enough time to make use of them for a theory. Students Joey Murdock and Hannah Hartog at Concordia University's Department of Biology were looking for a research project. Advisor Mary Ann Yang was the middle person and mentor who put the team together. The result: "Differential protein expression comparison between fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma patient versus normal subject." Can proteomic screening on FC-HCC tumor samples reliably be identified through differential expression of proteins utilizing western blot analysis?

What are the variables that make microspheres dependable vehicles for controlled dosage of medicinal drugs? Daniel Sievert (advisor Kenneth Rohly) of Bethel University's Chemistry Department tested time, amount of organic solvent, amount of aqueous solvent, amount of drug, spin and other variables to maximize the size of microspheres. How well is the chloroquine released based on the variables? That was the subject of "Optimization of polycaprolactone microsphere size through synthesis manipulation."

Nanotubes, molecular sensors, thin films and field-effect transistors might benefit from the use of triimdes as a tool of sustainable engineering, compared to the electron-conducting properties of aromatic diimides. Can mellitic triimdes be stacked and assembled to form supramolecular structures? That's what Kofi Ofosu (with advisor Dennis Cao) of Macalester College's Department of Chemistry sought to find out with "Synthesis, characterization and electrochemistry of mellitic triimides."

With the loss of green space worldwide, what are the benefits of green roof systems? Whitney Gearhart, Paige Ohlund, Jocelyn Wiegand (advisor Jane Wattrus) of College of St. Scholastica's Department of Biology studied "Effect of moisture differences on soil microarthropod abundance, and diversity of green roof systems." Green roof beds that received no supplemental watering had higher abundances of microarthropods as well as more species diversity. Their data provided implications on how to better maintain green roof systems in order to maximize environmental benefits.

  St. Olaf students have had a rich opportunity to explore environmental variables on agriculture. Thomas Knee (Kathleen Shea, advisor) studied "Disturbance in prairie ecosystems: the effects of fire on restored prairies in southeastern Minnesota." Since 1989 St. Olaf has restored about 61 hectares of agricultural land to prairie to conserve biodiversity; each section of St. Olaf prairie is burned every two to five years. How does species diversity, soil moisture, organic matter and nitrates vary in these sections, and why?

Margaret Noun (Kathleen Shea, advisor) examined "Effects of land management and agriculture on Rice and Heath Creek in Southeastern Minnesota." What are the effects of riparian buffers on water quality and macroinvertebrate diversity in a spring-fed stream and a lake-fed stream? Does proximity to agricultural fields make a difference? 

Can a low-cost microbial fuel cell be constructed using a strip of copper, aluminum, a potted plant and simple electronics? The team of Ariya Ishida and Shane Kosieradzki (advisor Bruce Bolon) of Hamline University's Physics Department generated power using plant waste as nutrients for anaerobic bacterial respiration within the soil.

In "Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of two-dimensional tin sulfide nanosheets," Elizabeth Juarez Diaz (advisor John Dwyer) of St. Catherine University's Chemistry Department repots on efforts to synthesize nanosheets of tin monosulfide via a green hydrothermal synthesis, and strategies to controllably produce single- or few-layer nanosheets with large lateral dimensions.

With antibiotic resistance worsening globally, can bacterial cultures grown in nutrient broth solutions trigger antibiotic production? Brandon O'Connor (advisor Mitchell Maddox) of Bethel University's Chemistry Department looked at "Isolation of active compounds in antibiotic-producing bacteria."

Protein Farnesyltransferase has been successful in transferring non-natural substrates to Ras proteins — mutated in up to 30 percent of human cancers — using copper-catalyzed click chemistry. However, that process is toxic to living cells. In this research a bioorthogonal PFTase substrted was synthesized that does not require a copper catalyst. Shelby Auger (advisor James Wollack) of St. Catherine's Department of Chemistry presented her results, "Synthesis of a PFTase substrate containing a terminal olefin capable of tetrazine ligation."

How can 3D printing be designed with an optical cage system and accessories that is printable on any entry-level commercially available 3D printer at a much lower cost? David Shepler (advisor Brandon Winters) of Bethel University's Department of Chemistry created something for just under $60, compared to a high-end model of $430, for a two-foot section that could be used widely at schools.

The Carleton College Department of Biology team of Jackson Raynor, Sandy Carson and Apoorva Handigol (advisor Debby Walser-Kuntz) collected data demonstrating that BPA exposure during early zebrafish development alters baseline innate immune signaling as well as injury responses.

Current Minnesota rules require septic tank capacity to increase by 50 percent with the installation of food waste disposal because it may induce sludge accumulation and deteriorate tank effluent. Maneewan Sinchai (advisor Bo Hu), from the University of Minnesota's Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, explored "Degradation of food waste in simulated septic tank," finding a marginal reduction in water quality with food waste, without a negative impact on septic tank performance. Sludge accumulation from food waste was evident, but also without a significant difference between septic tank with sewage and that with additional food waste. A possible result of her research, she suggested, is improvement in regulations around septic tanks, used by more than 20 percent of U.S. households to treat wastewater. 

Thanks to our Winchell Symposium sponsors!

Our 2018 Annual meeting/Winchell Undergraduate Research Symposium was held Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the University of St. Thomas 

 Winchell research projects conducted in 2018 by undergraduates throughout Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin, were presented April 21, 2018, at the University of St. Thomas.

A few of the Winchell research projects conducted this year by undergraduates throughout Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin, which were presented April 22, 2017, at Macalester College.

 A Mayo Clinic doctor had samples but not enough time to make use of them for a theory. Students Joey Murdock and Hannah Hartog at Concordia University's Department of Biology were looking for a research project. Advisor Mary Ann Yang was the middle person and mentor who put the team together. The result: "Differential protein expression comparison between fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma patient versus normal subject." Can proteomic screening on FC-HCC tumor samples reliably be identified through differential expression of proteins utilizing western blot analysis?

What are the variables that make microspheres dependable vehicles for controlled dosage of medicinal drugs? Daniel Sievert (advisor Kenneth Rohly) of Bethel University's Chemistry Department tested time, amount of organic solvent, amount of aqueous solvent, amount of drug, spin and other variables to maximize the size of microspheres. How well is the chloroquine released based on the variables? That was the subject of "Optimization of polycaprolactone microsphere size through synthesis manipulation."

Nanotubes, molecular sensors, thin films and field-effect transistors might benefit from the use of triimdes as a tool of sustainable engineering, compared to the electron-conducting properties of aromatic diimides. Can mellitic triimdes be stacked and assembled to form supramolecular structures? That's what Kofi Ofosu (with advisor Dennis Cao) of Macalester College's Department of Chemistry sought to find out with "Synthesis, characterization and electrochemistry of mellitic triimides."

With the loss of green space worldwide, what are the benefits of green roof systems? Whitney Gearhart, Paige Ohlund, Jocelyn Wiegand (advisor Jane Wattrus) of College of St. Scholastica's Department of Biology studied "Effect of moisture differences on soil microarthropod abundance, and diversity of green roof systems." Green roof beds that received no supplemental watering had higher abundances of microarthropods as well as more species diversity. Their data provided implications on how to better maintain green roof systems in order to maximize environmental benefits.

  St. Olaf students have had a rich opportunity to explore environmental variables on agriculture. Thomas Knee (Kathleen Shea, advisor) studied "Disturbance in prairie ecosystems: the effects of fire on restored prairies in southeastern Minnesota." Since 1989 St. Olaf has restored about 61 hectares of agricultural land to prairie to conserve biodiversity; each section of St. Olaf prairie is burned every two to five years. How does species diversity, soil moisture, organic matter and nitrates vary in these sections, and why?

Margaret Noun (Kathleen Shea, advisor) examined "Effects of land management and agriculture on Rice and Heath Creek in Southeastern Minnesota." What are the effects of riparian buffers on water quality and macroinvertebrate diversity in a spring-fed stream and a lake-fed stream? Does proximity to agricultural fields make a difference? 

Can a low-cost microbial fuel cell be constructed using a strip of copper, aluminum, a potted plant and simple electronics? The team of Ariya Ishida and Shane Kosieradzki (advisor Bruce Bolon) of Hamline University's Physics Department generated power using plant waste as nutrients for anaerobic bacterial respiration within the soil.

In "Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of two-dimensional tin sulfide nanosheets," Elizabeth Juarez Diaz (advisor John Dwyer) of St. Catherine University's Chemistry Department repots on efforts to synthesize nanosheets of tin monosulfide via a green hydrothermal synthesis, and strategies to controllably produce single- or few-layer nanosheets with large lateral dimensions.

With antibiotic resistance worsening globally, can bacterial cultures grown in nutrient broth solutions trigger antibiotic production? Brandon O'Connor (advisor Mitchell Maddox) of Bethel University's Chemistry Department looked at "Isolation of active compounds in antibiotic-producing bacteria."

Protein Farnesyltransferase has been successful in transferring non-natural substrates to Ras proteins — mutated in up to 30 percent of human cancers — using copper-catalyzed click chemistry. However, that process is toxic to living cells. In this research a bioorthogonal PFTase substrted was synthesized that does not require a copper catalyst. Shelby Auger (advisor James Wollack) of St. Catherine's Department of Chemistry presented her results, "Synthesis of a PFTase substrate containing a terminal olefin capable of tetrazine ligation."

How can 3D printing be designed with an optical cage system and accessories that is printable on any entry-level commercially available 3D printer at a much lower cost? David Shepler (advisor Brandon Winters) of Bethel University's Department of Chemistry created something for just under $60, compared to a high-end model of $430, for a two-foot section that could be used widely at schools.

The Carleton College Department of Biology team of Jackson Raynor, Sandy Carson and Apoorva Handigol (advisor Debby Walser-Kuntz) collected data demonstrating that BPA exposure during early zebrafish development alters baseline innate immune signaling as well as injury responses.

Current Minnesota rules require septic tank capacity to increase by 50 percent with the installation of food waste disposal because it may induce sludge accumulation and deteriorate tank effluent. Maneewan Sinchai (advisor Bo Hu), from the University of Minnesota's Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, explored "Degradation of food waste in simulated septic tank," finding a marginal reduction in water quality with food waste, without a negative impact on septic tank performance. Sludge accumulation from food waste was evident, but also without a significant difference between septic tank with sewage and that with additional food waste. A possible result of her research, she suggested, is improvement in regulations around septic tanks, used by more than 20 percent of U.S. households to treat wastewater. 

Thanks to our Winchell Symposium sponsors!

Our 2018 Annual meeting/Winchell Undergraduate Research Symposium was held Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the University of St. Thomas 

 Winchell research projects conducted in 2018 by undergraduates throughout Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin, were presented April 21, 2018, at the University of St. Thomas.

A few of the Winchell research projects conducted this year by undergraduates throughout Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin, which were presented April 22, 2017, at Macalester College.

 A Mayo Clinic doctor had samples but not enough time to make use of them for a theory. Students Joey Murdock and Hannah Hartog at Concordia University's Department of Biology were looking for a research project. Advisor Mary Ann Yang was the middle person and mentor who put the team together. The result: "Differential protein expression comparison between fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma patient versus normal subject." Can proteomic screening on FC-HCC tumor samples reliably be identified through differential expression of proteins utilizing western blot analysis?

What are the variables that make microspheres dependable vehicles for controlled dosage of medicinal drugs? Daniel Sievert (advisor Kenneth Rohly) of Bethel University's Chemistry Department tested time, amount of organic solvent, amount of aqueous solvent, amount of drug, spin and other variables to maximize the size of microspheres. How well is the chloroquine released based on the variables? That was the subject of "Optimization of polycaprolactone microsphere size through synthesis manipulation."

Nanotubes, molecular sensors, thin films and field-effect transistors might benefit from the use of triimdes as a tool of sustainable engineering, compared to the electron-conducting properties of aromatic diimides. Can mellitic triimdes be stacked and assembled to form supramolecular structures? That's what Kofi Ofosu (with advisor Dennis Cao) of Macalester College's Department of Chemistry sought to find out with "Synthesis, characterization and electrochemistry of mellitic triimides."

With the loss of green space worldwide, what are the benefits of green roof systems? Whitney Gearhart, Paige Ohlund, Jocelyn Wiegand (advisor Jane Wattrus) of College of St. Scholastica's Department of Biology studied "Effect of moisture differences on soil microarthropod abundance, and diversity of green roof systems." Green roof beds that received no supplemental watering had higher abundances of microarthropods as well as more species diversity. Their data provided implications on how to better maintain green roof systems in order to maximize environmental benefits.

  St. Olaf students have had a rich opportunity to explore environmental variables on agriculture. Thomas Knee (Kathleen Shea, advisor) studied "Disturbance in prairie ecosystems: the effects of fire on restored prairies in southeastern Minnesota." Since 1989 St. Olaf has restored about 61 hectares of agricultural land to prairie to conserve biodiversity; each section of St. Olaf prairie is burned every two to five years. How does species diversity, soil moisture, organic matter and nitrates vary in these sections, and why?

Margaret Noun (Kathleen Shea, advisor) examined "Effects of land management and agriculture on Rice and Heath Creek in Southeastern Minnesota." What are the effects of riparian buffers on water quality and macroinvertebrate diversity in a spring-fed stream and a lake-fed stream? Does proximity to agricultural fields make a difference? 

Can a low-cost microbial fuel cell be constructed using a strip of copper, aluminum, a potted plant and simple electronics? The team of Ariya Ishida and Shane Kosieradzki (advisor Bruce Bolon) of Hamline University's Physics Department generated power using plant waste as nutrients for anaerobic bacterial respiration within the soil.

In "Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of two-dimensional tin sulfide nanosheets," Elizabeth Juarez Diaz (advisor John Dwyer) of St. Catherine University's Chemistry Department repots on efforts to synthesize nanosheets of tin monosulfide via a green hydrothermal synthesis, and strategies to controllably produce single- or few-layer nanosheets with large lateral dimensions.

With antibiotic resistance worsening globally, can bacterial cultures grown in nutrient broth solutions trigger antibiotic production? Brandon O'Connor (advisor Mitchell Maddox) of Bethel University's Chemistry Department looked at "Isolation of active compounds in antibiotic-producing bacteria."

Protein Farnesyltransferase has been successful in transferring non-natural substrates to Ras proteins — mutated in up to 30 percent of human cancers — using copper-catalyzed click chemistry. However, that process is toxic to living cells. In this research a bioorthogonal PFTase substrted was synthesized that does not require a copper catalyst. Shelby Auger (advisor James Wollack) of St. Catherine's Department of Chemistry presented her results, "Synthesis of a PFTase substrate containing a terminal olefin capable of tetrazine ligation."

How can 3D printing be designed with an optical cage system and accessories that is printable on any entry-level commercially available 3D printer at a much lower cost? David Shepler (advisor Brandon Winters) of Bethel University's Department of Chemistry created something for just under $60, compared to a high-end model of $430, for a two-foot section that could be used widely at schools.

The Carleton College Department of Biology team of Jackson Raynor, Sandy Carson and Apoorva Handigol (advisor Debby Walser-Kuntz) collected data demonstrating that BPA exposure during early zebrafish development alters baseline innate immune signaling as well as injury responses.

Current Minnesota rules require septic tank capacity to increase by 50 percent with the installation of food waste disposal because it may induce sludge accumulation and deteriorate tank effluent. Maneewan Sinchai (advisor Bo Hu), from the University of Minnesota's Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, explored "Degradation of food waste in simulated septic tank," finding a marginal reduction in water quality with food waste, without a negative impact on septic tank performance. Sludge accumulation from food waste was evident, but also without a significant difference between septic tank with sewage and that with additional food waste. A possible result of her research, she suggested, is improvement in regulations around septic tanks, used by more than 20 percent of U.S. households to treat wastewater. 

Thanks to our Winchell Symposium sponsors!

More than 500 Minnesota students converged to compete in the 80th annual North Central State Science & Engineering Fair (SSEF). The SSEF is an annual competition that has been the pinnacle of project-based education for the best and brightest Minnesota students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The State Science & Engineering Fair’s mission is to foster students to become informed citizens who are well versed in the methods and ideas of science and to inspire Minnesota students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.

2018 State Science Fair Highlights! 

More than 500 Minnesota students converged to compete in the 80th annual North Central State Science & Engineering Fair (SSEF). The SSEF is an annual competition that has been the pinnacle of project-based education for the best and brightest Minnesota students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The State Science & Engineering Fair’s mission is to foster students to become informed citizens who are well versed in the methods and ideas of science and to inspire Minnesota students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.

2018 State Science Fair Highlights! 

More than 500 Minnesota students converged to compete in the 80th annual North Central State Science & Engineering Fair (SSEF). The SSEF is an annual competition that has been the pinnacle of project-based education for the best and brightest Minnesota students in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The State Science & Engineering Fair’s mission is to foster students to become informed citizens who are well versed in the methods and ideas of science and to inspire Minnesota students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.

2018 State Science Fair Highlights! 

HIGH SCHOOL RESULTS
Congratulations to all of the teams who participated in the 2018 MN Regional Science Bowl for High School Students!

HIGH SCHOOL RESULTS
Congratulations to all of the teams who participated in the 2018 MN Regional Science Bowl for High School Students!

HIGH SCHOOL RESULTS
Congratulations to all of the teams who participated in the 2018 MN Regional Science Bowl for High School Students!

Our 2018 Annual meeting/Winchell Undergraduate Research Symposium will be held Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the University of St. Thomas 

A few of the Winchell research projects conducted this year by undergraduates throughout Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin, which were presented April 22, 2017, at Macalester College.

 A Mayo Clinic doctor had samples but not enough time to make use of them for a theory. Students Joey Murdock and Hannah Hartog at Concordia University's Department of Biology were looking for a research project. Advisor Mary Ann Yang was the middle person and mentor who put the team together. The result: "Differential protein expression comparison between fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma patient versus normal subject." Can proteomic screening on FC-HCC tumor samples reliably be identified through differential expression of proteins utilizing western blot analysis?

What are the variables that make microspheres dependable vehicles for controlled dosage of medicinal drugs? Daniel Sievert (advisor Kenneth Rohly) of Bethel University's Chemistry Department tested time, amount of organic solvent, amount of aqueous solvent, amount of drug, spin and other variables to maximize the size of microspheres. How well is the chloroquine released based on the variables? That was the subject of "Optimization of polycaprolactone microsphere size through synthesis manipulation."

Nanotubes, molecular sensors, thin films and field-effect transistors might benefit from the use of triimdes as a tool of sustainable engineering, compared to the electron-conducting properties of aromatic diimides. Can mellitic triimdes be stacked and assembled to form supramolecular structures? That's what Kofi Ofosu (with advisor Dennis Cao) of Macalester College's Department of Chemistry sought to find out with "Synthesis, characterization and electrochemistry of mellitic triimides."

With the loss of green space worldwide, what are the benefits of green roof systems? Whitney Gearhart, Paige Ohlund, Jocelyn Wiegand (advisor Jane Wattrus) of College of St. Scholastica's Department of Biology studied "Effect of moisture differences on soil microarthropod abundance, and diversity of green roof systems." Green roof beds that received no supplemental watering had higher abundances of microarthropods as well as more species diversity. Their data provided implications on how to better maintain green roof systems in order to maximize environmental benefits.

  St. Olaf students have had a rich opportunity to explore environmental variables on agriculture. Thomas Knee (Kathleen Shea, advisor) studied "Disturbance in prairie ecosystems: the effects of fire on restored prairies in southeastern Minnesota." Since 1989 St. Olaf has restored about 61 hectares of agricultural land to prairie to conserve biodiversity; each section of St. Olaf prairie is burned every two to five years. How does species diversity, soil moisture, organic matter and nitrates vary in these sections, and why?

Margaret Noun (Kathleen Shea, advisor) examined "Effects of land management and agriculture on Rice and Heath Creek in Southeastern Minnesota." What are the effects of riparian buffers on water quality and macroinvertebrate diversity in a spring-fed stream and a lake-fed stream? Does proximity to agricultural fields make a difference? 

Can a low-cost microbial fuel cell be constructed using a strip of copper, aluminum, a potted plant and simple electronics? The team of Ariya Ishida and Shane Kosieradzki (advisor Bruce Bolon) of Hamline University's Physics Department generated power using plant waste as nutrients for anaerobic bacterial respiration within the soil.

In "Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of two-dimensional tin sulfide nanosheets," Elizabeth Juarez Diaz (advisor John Dwyer) of St. Catherine University's Chemistry Department repots on efforts to synthesize nanosheets of tin monosulfide via a green hydrothermal synthesis, and strategies to controllably produce single- or few-layer nanosheets with large lateral dimensions.

With antibiotic resistance worsening globally, can bacterial cultures grown in nutrient broth solutions trigger antibiotic production? Brandon O'Connor (advisor Mitchell Maddox) of Bethel University's Chemistry Department looked at "Isolation of active compounds in antibiotic-producing bacteria."

Protein Farnesyltransferase has been successful in transferring non-natural substrates to Ras proteins — mutated in up to 30 percent of human cancers — using copper-catalyzed click chemistry. However, that process is toxic to living cells. In this research a bioorthogonal PFTase substrted was synthesized that does not require a copper catalyst. Shelby Auger (advisor James Wollack) of St. Catherine's Department of Chemistry presented her results, "Synthesis of a PFTase substrate containing a terminal olefin capable of tetrazine ligation."

How can 3D printing be designed with an optical cage system and accessories that is printable on any entry-level commercially available 3D printer at a much lower cost? David Shepler (advisor Brandon Winters) of Bethel University's Department of Chemistry created something for just under $60, compared to a high-end model of $430, for a two-foot section that could be used widely at schools.

The Carleton College Department of Biology team of Jackson Raynor, Sandy Carson and Apoorva Handigol (advisor Debby Walser-Kuntz) collected data demonstrating that BPA exposure during early zebrafish development alters baseline innate immune signaling as well as injury responses.

Current Minnesota rules require septic tank capacity to increase by 50 percent with the installation of food waste disposal because it may induce sludge accumulation and deteriorate tank effluent. Maneewan Sinchai (advisor Bo Hu), from the University of Minnesota's Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, explored "Degradation of food waste in simulated septic tank," finding a marginal reduction in water quality with food waste, without a negative impact on septic tank performance. Sludge accumulation from food waste was evident, but also without a significant difference between septic tank with sewage and that with additional food waste. A possible result of her research, she suggested, is improvement in regulations around septic tanks, used by more than 20 percent of U.S. households to treat wastewater. 

Thanks to our Winchell Symposium sponsors!

Our 2018 Annual meeting/Winchell Undergraduate Research Symposium will be held Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the University of St. Thomas 

A few of the Winchell research projects conducted this year by undergraduates throughout Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin, which were presented April 22, 2017, at Macalester College.

 A Mayo Clinic doctor had samples but not enough time to make use of them for a theory. Students Joey Murdock and Hannah Hartog at Concordia University's Department of Biology were looking for a research project. Advisor Mary Ann Yang was the middle person and mentor who put the team together. The result: "Differential protein expression comparison between fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma patient versus normal subject." Can proteomic screening on FC-HCC tumor samples reliably be identified through differential expression of proteins utilizing western blot analysis?

What are the variables that make microspheres dependable vehicles for controlled dosage of medicinal drugs? Daniel Sievert (advisor Kenneth Rohly) of Bethel University's Chemistry Department tested time, amount of organic solvent, amount of aqueous solvent, amount of drug, spin and other variables to maximize the size of microspheres. How well is the chloroquine released based on the variables? That was the subject of "Optimization of polycaprolactone microsphere size through synthesis manipulation."

Nanotubes, molecular sensors, thin films and field-effect transistors might benefit from the use of triimdes as a tool of sustainable engineering, compared to the electron-conducting properties of aromatic diimides. Can mellitic triimdes be stacked and assembled to form supramolecular structures? That's what Kofi Ofosu (with advisor Dennis Cao) of Macalester College's Department of Chemistry sought to find out with "Synthesis, characterization and electrochemistry of mellitic triimides."

With the loss of green space worldwide, what are the benefits of green roof systems? Whitney Gearhart, Paige Ohlund, Jocelyn Wiegand (advisor Jane Wattrus) of College of St. Scholastica's Department of Biology studied "Effect of moisture differences on soil microarthropod abundance, and diversity of green roof systems." Green roof beds that received no supplemental watering had higher abundances of microarthropods as well as more species diversity. Their data provided implications on how to better maintain green roof systems in order to maximize environmental benefits.

  St. Olaf students have had a rich opportunity to explore environmental variables on agriculture. Thomas Knee (Kathleen Shea, advisor) studied "Disturbance in prairie ecosystems: the effects of fire on restored prairies in southeastern Minnesota." Since 1989 St. Olaf has restored about 61 hectares of agricultural land to prairie to conserve biodiversity; each section of St. Olaf prairie is burned every two to five years. How does species diversity, soil moisture, organic matter and nitrates vary in these sections, and why?

Margaret Noun (Kathleen Shea, advisor) examined "Effects of land management and agriculture on Rice and Heath Creek in Southeastern Minnesota." What are the effects of riparian buffers on water quality and macroinvertebrate diversity in a spring-fed stream and a lake-fed stream? Does proximity to agricultural fields make a difference? 

Can a low-cost microbial fuel cell be constructed using a strip of copper, aluminum, a potted plant and simple electronics? The team of Ariya Ishida and Shane Kosieradzki (advisor Bruce Bolon) of Hamline University's Physics Department generated power using plant waste as nutrients for anaerobic bacterial respiration within the soil.

In "Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of two-dimensional tin sulfide nanosheets," Elizabeth Juarez Diaz (advisor John Dwyer) of St. Catherine University's Chemistry Department repots on efforts to synthesize nanosheets of tin monosulfide via a green hydrothermal synthesis, and strategies to controllably produce single- or few-layer nanosheets with large lateral dimensions.

With antibiotic resistance worsening globally, can bacterial cultures grown in nutrient broth solutions trigger antibiotic production? Brandon O'Connor (advisor Mitchell Maddox) of Bethel University's Chemistry Department looked at "Isolation of active compounds in antibiotic-producing bacteria."

Protein Farnesyltransferase has been successful in transferring non-natural substrates to Ras proteins — mutated in up to 30 percent of human cancers — using copper-catalyzed click chemistry. However, that process is toxic to living cells. In this research a bioorthogonal PFTase substrted was synthesized that does not require a copper catalyst. Shelby Auger (advisor James Wollack) of St. Catherine's Department of Chemistry presented her results, "Synthesis of a PFTase substrate containing a terminal olefin capable of tetrazine ligation."

How can 3D printing be designed with an optical cage system and accessories that is printable on any entry-level commercially available 3D printer at a much lower cost? David Shepler (advisor Brandon Winters) of Bethel University's Department of Chemistry created something for just under $60, compared to a high-end model of $430, for a two-foot section that could be used widely at schools.

The Carleton College Department of Biology team of Jackson Raynor, Sandy Carson and Apoorva Handigol (advisor Debby Walser-Kuntz) collected data demonstrating that BPA exposure during early zebrafish development alters baseline innate immune signaling as well as injury responses.

Current Minnesota rules require septic tank capacity to increase by 50 percent with the installation of food waste disposal because it may induce sludge accumulation and deteriorate tank effluent. Maneewan Sinchai (advisor Bo Hu), from the University of Minnesota's Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, explored "Degradation of food waste in simulated septic tank," finding a marginal reduction in water quality with food waste, without a negative impact on septic tank performance. Sludge accumulation from food waste was evident, but also without a significant difference between septic tank with sewage and that with additional food waste. A possible result of her research, she suggested, is improvement in regulations around septic tanks, used by more than 20 percent of U.S. households to treat wastewater. 

Thanks to our Winchell Symposium sponsors!

Our 2018 Annual meeting/Winchell Undergraduate Research Symposium will be held Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the University of St. Thomas 

A few of the Winchell research projects conducted this year by undergraduates throughout Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin, which were presented April 22, 2017, at Macalester College.

 A Mayo Clinic doctor had samples but not enough time to make use of them for a theory. Students Joey Murdock and Hannah Hartog at Concordia University's Department of Biology were looking for a research project. Advisor Mary Ann Yang was the middle person and mentor who put the team together. The result: "Differential protein expression comparison between fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma patient versus normal subject." Can proteomic screening on FC-HCC tumor samples reliably be identified through differential expression of proteins utilizing western blot analysis?

What are the variables that make microspheres dependable vehicles for controlled dosage of medicinal drugs? Daniel Sievert (advisor Kenneth Rohly) of Bethel University's Chemistry Department tested time, amount of organic solvent, amount of aqueous solvent, amount of drug, spin and other variables to maximize the size of microspheres. How well is the chloroquine released based on the variables? That was the subject of "Optimization of polycaprolactone microsphere size through synthesis manipulation."

Nanotubes, molecular sensors, thin films and field-effect transistors might benefit from the use of triimdes as a tool of sustainable engineering, compared to the electron-conducting properties of aromatic diimides. Can mellitic triimdes be stacked and assembled to form supramolecular structures? That's what Kofi Ofosu (with advisor Dennis Cao) of Macalester College's Department of Chemistry sought to find out with "Synthesis, characterization and electrochemistry of mellitic triimides."

With the loss of green space worldwide, what are the benefits of green roof systems? Whitney Gearhart, Paige Ohlund, Jocelyn Wiegand (advisor Jane Wattrus) of College of St. Scholastica's Department of Biology studied "Effect of moisture differences on soil microarthropod abundance, and diversity of green roof systems." Green roof beds that received no supplemental watering had higher abundances of microarthropods as well as more species diversity. Their data provided implications on how to better maintain green roof systems in order to maximize environmental benefits.

  St. Olaf students have had a rich opportunity to explore environmental variables on agriculture. Thomas Knee (Kathleen Shea, advisor) studied "Disturbance in prairie ecosystems: the effects of fire on restored prairies in southeastern Minnesota." Since 1989 St. Olaf has restored about 61 hectares of agricultural land to prairie to conserve biodiversity; each section of St. Olaf prairie is burned every two to five years. How does species diversity, soil moisture, organic matter and nitrates vary in these sections, and why?

Margaret Noun (Kathleen Shea, advisor) examined "Effects of land management and agriculture on Rice and Heath Creek in Southeastern Minnesota." What are the effects of riparian buffers on water quality and macroinvertebrate diversity in a spring-fed stream and a lake-fed stream? Does proximity to agricultural fields make a difference? 

Can a low-cost microbial fuel cell be constructed using a strip of copper, aluminum, a potted plant and simple electronics? The team of Ariya Ishida and Shane Kosieradzki (advisor Bruce Bolon) of Hamline University's Physics Department generated power using plant waste as nutrients for anaerobic bacterial respiration within the soil.

In "Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of two-dimensional tin sulfide nanosheets," Elizabeth Juarez Diaz (advisor John Dwyer) of St. Catherine University's Chemistry Department repots on efforts to synthesize nanosheets of tin monosulfide via a green hydrothermal synthesis, and strategies to controllably produce single- or few-layer nanosheets with large lateral dimensions.

With antibiotic resistance worsening globally, can bacterial cultures grown in nutrient broth solutions trigger antibiotic production? Brandon O'Connor (advisor Mitchell Maddox) of Bethel University's Chemistry Department looked at "Isolation of active compounds in antibiotic-producing bacteria."

Protein Farnesyltransferase has been successful in transferring non-natural substrates to Ras proteins — mutated in up to 30 percent of human cancers — using copper-catalyzed click chemistry. However, that process is toxic to living cells. In this research a bioorthogonal PFTase substrted was synthesized that does not require a copper catalyst. Shelby Auger (advisor James Wollack) of St. Catherine's Department of Chemistry presented her results, "Synthesis of a PFTase substrate containing a terminal olefin capable of tetrazine ligation."

How can 3D printing be designed with an optical cage system and accessories that is printable on any entry-level commercially available 3D printer at a much lower cost? David Shepler (advisor Brandon Winters) of Bethel University's Department of Chemistry created something for just under $60, compared to a high-end model of $430, for a two-foot section that could be used widely at schools.

The Carleton College Department of Biology team of Jackson Raynor, Sandy Carson and Apoorva Handigol (advisor Debby Walser-Kuntz) collected data demonstrating that BPA exposure during early zebrafish development alters baseline innate immune signaling as well as injury responses.

Current Minnesota rules require septic tank capacity to increase by 50 percent with the installation of food waste disposal because it may induce sludge accumulation and deteriorate tank effluent. Maneewan Sinchai (advisor Bo Hu), from the University of Minnesota's Department of Bioproducts and Biosystems Engineering, explored "Degradation of food waste in simulated septic tank," finding a marginal reduction in water quality with food waste, without a negative impact on septic tank performance. Sludge accumulation from food waste was evident, but also without a significant difference between septic tank with sewage and that with additional food waste. A possible result of her research, she suggested, is improvement in regulations around septic tanks, used by more than 20 percent of U.S. households to treat wastewater. 

Thanks to our Winchell Symposium sponsors!

There were 83 Minnesota students who advanced from regional competitions to compete in the 49^th annual North Central Regional Junior Science & Humanities Symposium (JSHS), held at the Marriott City Center in Minneapolis on March 25. The JSHS is an annual competition sponsored by the research arm of the Department of Defense, with the aim to prepare and support students to contribute as future scientists and engineers.

Click here for a few photos from the day.

Five finalists were selected by judges to win an expense-paid trip to the National JSHS, to be held April 26-30 in San Diego, which brings together 400 participants. The top two finalists will present their original research at the National JSHS. The top three finalists win a total of $4,500 in tuition scholarships.

• 5th place – Kerui Yang, “Effects of pH on polyvinyl alcohol behavior in aqueous solutions”
• 4th place – Nathaniel Farmer, “Are you protected? Wearable mask fit monitor – Year 2”
• 3rd place – Nikhil Marda, “On equal points separation by planar cell decompositions”
• 2nd place – Manashree Padiyath, “Unleading the way: Remediation of lead-contaminated water with Coriandrum Savitvum (cilantro) biochar
• 1st place – Harini Kethar, “A cost-effective, patient-friendly, and biocompatible treatment for chronic pain and peripheral nerve damage using genetically engineered ‘smart’ nanoparticles”

An annual tradition at JSHS is for the students to sit down for lunch with professional scientists to discuss everything from how they got where they are, to insights about STEM careers, to sharing stories of personal interests.

One of the students at the table was Emilia of St. Paul, whose research project in 2017 was to determine whether a micro-organism would survive in Martian soil to allow maize to grow. A challenge was creating Martian soil — she was able to order many parts needed from Amazon, but NASA analysis of Martian soil revealed that 17% of it consists of toxic components. She wasn’t able to replicate the soil exactly — a project she said she’s been interested in since 7^th grade, “before The Martian movie came out” — but she also learned that, even without the toxic materials, the micro-organism could not thrive.

Guest speaker was Maria Gini, a robotics specialist at the University of Minnesota, who talked with the group about her work, which includes developing algorithms for robots to decide how to allocate tasks among themselves, explore unknown environments, work as a team in search and rescue operations, or navigate in dense crowds.

Other STEM specialists who sat down to talk with students included:

• Dr. Carroll Arnett, biomedical
• Dr. Jose Pablo Dundore-Arias, plant pathology
• Dr. Josh Marrell, theoretical chemistry
• Dr. Christina Smith, plant and microbial biology
• Allison Haaning, Ph.D. candidate, agricultural genomes
• Gary Caple, environmental health and safety, Medtronic
• Dr. Kathy Mahan, pulmonary care medicine
• Dr. Jason Owens, chemical engineering, Bechman Coulter
• Ami Thompson, Ph.D. candidate, conservation biology/entomology
• Dr. Abdullah Jaradat, agricultural research, U of M — Morris

There were 83 Minnesota students who advanced from regional competitions to compete in the 49^th annual North Central Regional Junior Science & Humanities Symposium (JSHS), held at the Marriott City Center in Minneapolis on March 25. The JSHS is an annual competition sponsored by the research arm of the Department of Defense, with the aim to prepare and support students to contribute as future scientists and engineers.

Click here for a few photos from the day.

Five finalists were selected by judges to win an expense-paid trip to the National JSHS, to be held April 26-30 in San Diego, which brings together 400 participants. The top two finalists will present their original research at the National JSHS. The top three finalists win a total of $4,500 in tuition scholarships.

• 5th place – Kerui Yang, “Effects of pH on polyvinyl alcohol behavior in aqueous solutions”
• 4th place – Nathaniel Farmer, “Are you protected? Wearable mask fit monitor – Year 2”
• 3rd place – Nikhil Marda, “On equal points separation by planar cell decompositions”
• 2nd place – Manashree Padiyath, “Unleading the way: Remediation of lead-contaminated water with Coriandrum Savitvum (cilantro) biochar
• 1st place – Harini Kethar, “A cost-effective, patient-friendly, and biocompatible treatment for chronic pain and peripheral nerve damage using genetically engineered ‘smart’ nanoparticles”

An annual tradition at JSHS is for the students to sit down for lunch with professional scientists to discuss everything from how they got where they are, to insights about STEM careers, to sharing stories of personal interests.

One of the students at the table was Emilia of St. Paul, whose research project in 2017 was to determine whether a micro-organism would survive in Martian soil to allow maize to grow. A challenge was creating Martian soil — she was able to order many parts needed from Amazon, but NASA analysis of Martian soil revealed that 17% of it consists of toxic components. She wasn’t able to replicate the soil exactly — a project she said she’s been interested in since 7^th grade, “before The Martian movie came out” — but she also learned that, even without the toxic materials, the micro-organism could not thrive.

Guest speaker was Maria Gini, a robotics specialist at the University of Minnesota, who talked with the group about her work, which includes developing algorithms for robots to decide how to allocate tasks among themselves, explore unknown environments, work as a team in search and rescue operations, or navigate in dense crowds.

Other STEM specialists who sat down to talk with students included:

• Dr. Carroll Arnett, biomedical
• Dr. Jose Pablo Dundore-Arias, plant pathology
• Dr. Josh Marrell, theoretical chemistry
• Dr. Christina Smith, plant and microbial biology
• Allison Haaning, Ph.D. candidate, agricultural genomes
• Gary Caple, environmental health and safety, Medtronic
• Dr. Kathy Mahan, pulmonary care medicine
• Dr. Jason Owens, chemical engineering, Bechman Coulter
• Ami Thompson, Ph.D. candidate, conservation biology/entomology
• Dr. Abdullah Jaradat, agricultural research, U of M — Morris

There were 83 Minnesota students who advanced from regional competitions to compete in the 49^th annual North Central Regional Junior Science & Humanities Symposium (JSHS), held at the Marriott City Center in Minneapolis on March 25. The JSHS is an annual competition sponsored by the research arm of the Department of Defense, with the aim to prepare and support students to contribute as future scientists and engineers.

Click here for a few photos from the day.

Five finalists were selected by judges to win an expense-paid trip to the National JSHS, to be held April 26-30 in San Diego, which brings together 400 participants. The top two finalists will present their original research at the National JSHS. The top three finalists win a total of $4,500 in tuition scholarships.

• 5th place – Kerui Yang, “Effects of pH on polyvinyl alcohol behavior in aqueous solutions”
• 4th place – Nathaniel Farmer, “Are you protected? Wearable mask fit monitor – Year 2”
• 3rd place – Nikhil Marda, “On equal points separation by planar cell decompositions”
• 2nd place – Manashree Padiyath, “Unleading the way: Remediation of lead-contaminated water with Coriandrum Savitvum (cilantro) biochar
• 1st place – Harini Kethar, “A cost-effective, patient-friendly, and biocompatible treatment for chronic pain and peripheral nerve damage using genetically engineered ‘smart’ nanoparticles”

An annual tradition at JSHS is for the students to sit down for lunch with professional scientists to discuss everything from how they got where they are, to insights about STEM careers, to sharing stories of personal interests.

One of the students at the table was Emilia of St. Paul, whose research project in 2017 was to determine whether a micro-organism would survive in Martian soil to allow maize to grow. A challenge was creating Martian soil — she was able to order many parts needed from Amazon, but NASA analysis of Martian soil revealed that 17% of it consists of toxic components. She wasn’t able to replicate the soil exactly — a project she said she’s been interested in since 7^th grade, “before The Martian movie came out” — but she also learned that, even without the toxic materials, the micro-organism could not thrive.

Guest speaker was Maria Gini, a robotics specialist at the University of Minnesota, who talked with the group about her work, which includes developing algorithms for robots to decide how to allocate tasks among themselves, explore unknown environments, work as a team in search and rescue operations, or navigate in dense crowds.

Other STEM specialists who sat down to talk with students included:

• Dr. Carroll Arnett, biomedical
• Dr. Jose Pablo Dundore-Arias, plant pathology
• Dr. Josh Marrell, theoretical chemistry
• Dr. Christina Smith, plant and microbial biology
• Allison Haaning, Ph.D. candidate, agricultural genomes
• Gary Caple, environmental health and safety, Medtronic
• Dr. Kathy Mahan, pulmonary care medicine
• Dr. Jason Owens, chemical engineering, Bechman Coulter
• Ami Thompson, Ph.D. candidate, conservation biology/entomology
• Dr. Abdullah Jaradat, agricultural research, U of M — Morris

A total of 185 students from 37 teams representing 20 schools participated in the tournament. Teams spent months preparing for the event that features head-to-head competition in a fast-paced question and answer format similar to the TV show, Jeopardy. The students were quizzed on questions in Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Energy, Mathematics and Physics. [MORE TEAM PHOTOS COMING]

First 16 in order

Edina 1

Wayzata 3

Edina 2

Wayzata 1

Blake 2

Minnetonka 2

Woodbury 2

Mounds View 2

Wayzata 2

Eden Prairie 1

Minnetonka 1

Chaska 2

Mounds View 1

St. Paul Academy 1

Parnassus 1

Maple Grove sent a team to the High School Science Bowl for the first time. Here's how team captain Taylor Nelson summed up the experience.

• "I was surprised by how good some of the teams were. Some teams knew almost every answer to every question. They were very intimidating. Though, there were also teams that didn't answer many questions, and teams that couldn't answer many questions correctly. What I enjoyed? Answering questions that are challenging, and working within a team. I tried to be humorous about not being able to answer tough questions, which helped make the experience even better. I also liked that it is similar to Jeopardy, but on a team. You don't feel alone, or alone feel the burden of a loss. I would equate it to the same enjoyment that people get from playing sports, except, you're using your brain so much more. Practicing for the tournament is where most of the effort comes in. That is where the true fun and learning comes from. It provides for a fun and resume-building activity." Taylor intends to learn more in the sciences after he starts college next year — his favorites are physics and biology.
• Teammate Anna Chabica is a ninth grader who is considering a career in medicine, with a particular interest in biology. "I want to help people the most I can for my career. I can only do so by knowing a lot, and participating in Science Bowl has helped me learn about all the branches of science." She added, "Science Bowl helps me meet people who have the same interests as me. Most of all, it's really fun and exciting to be part of."
• Junior Alessandro Snyder said his passion is psychology. "While the Science Bowl doesn't involve psychology-related questions, and while many criticize psychology as a legitimate science, it's still a field that I find extremely interesting, and I plan to act on that interest by studying the topic further at a college. The unexplained areas of psychology fascinate me, and that's why I've always enjoyed science - because it explains the unexplained." He enjoyed preparing for Science Bowl because "many of the questions cover a broad base of all science topics, and many of the questions are rather obscure, which only really enhances the learning. Plus, it helps allow all different kinds of people get together to learn more about science for the competition."

Photo of Maple Grove team, left to right: Carter Herman, Missy Deisting, Taylor Nelson (standing), Anna Chabica, and Alessandro Snyder.

Did not make the cut for final 16

Eden Prairie 2

Chanhassen 1

Burnsville 1,2,3

Woodbury 1

Carlton 1

STP Acad 2

Chaska 1

Stillwater 1

Woodbury 3

Blake 1

Albany 1

Kennedy 1

Albany 2

St Anthony Village 1

Albany 3

Chanhassen 2

Harding 1

Jefferson 1

Harding 2

A total of 185 students from 37 teams representing 20 schools participated in the tournament. Teams spent months preparing for the event that features head-to-head competition in a fast-paced question and answer format similar to the TV show, Jeopardy. The students were quizzed on questions in Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Energy, Mathematics and Physics. [MORE TEAM PHOTOS COMING]

First 16 in order

Edina 1

Wayzata 3

Edina 2

Wayzata 1

Blake 2

Minnetonka 2

Woodbury 2

Mounds View 2

Wayzata 2

Eden Prairie 1

Minnetonka 1

Chaska 2

Mounds View 1

St. Paul Academy 1

Parnassus 1

Maple Grove sent a team to the High School Science Bowl for the first time. Here's how team captain Taylor Nelson summed up the experience.

• "I was surprised by how good some of the teams were. Some teams knew almost every answer to every question. They were very intimidating. Though, there were also teams that didn't answer many questions, and teams that couldn't answer many questions correctly. What I enjoyed? Answering questions that are challenging, and working within a team. I tried to be humorous about not being able to answer tough questions, which helped make the experience even better. I also liked that it is similar to Jeopardy, but on a team. You don't feel alone, or alone feel the burden of a loss. I would equate it to the same enjoyment that people get from playing sports, except, you're using your brain so much more. Practicing for the tournament is where most of the effort comes in. That is where the true fun and learning comes from. It provides for a fun and resume-building activity." Taylor intends to learn more in the sciences after he starts college next year — his favorites are physics and biology.
• Teammate Anna Chabica is a ninth grader who is considering a career in medicine, with a particular interest in biology. "I want to help people the most I can for my career. I can only do so by knowing a lot, and participating in Science Bowl has helped me learn about all the branches of science." She added, "Science Bowl helps me meet people who have the same interests as me. Most of all, it's really fun and exciting to be part of."
• Junior Alessandro Snyder said his passion is psychology. "While the Science Bowl doesn't involve psychology-related questions, and while many criticize psychology as a legitimate science, it's still a field that I find extremely interesting, and I plan to act on that interest by studying the topic further at a college. The unexplained areas of psychology fascinate me, and that's why I've always enjoyed science - because it explains the unexplained." He enjoyed preparing for Science Bowl because "many of the questions cover a broad base of all science topics, and many of the questions are rather obscure, which only really enhances the learning. Plus, it helps allow all different kinds of people get together to learn more about science for the competition."

Photo of Maple Grove team, left to right: Carter Herman, Missy Deisting, Taylor Nelson (standing), Anna Chabica, and Alessandro Snyder.

Did not make the cut for final 16

Eden Prairie 2

Chanhassen 1

Burnsville 1,2,3

Woodbury 1

Carlton 1

STP Acad 2

Chaska 1

Stillwater 1

Woodbury 3

Blake 1

Albany 1

Kennedy 1

Albany 2

St Anthony Village 1

Albany 3

Chanhassen 2

Harding 1

Jefferson 1

Harding 2

A total of 185 students from 37 teams representing 20 schools participated in the tournament. Teams spent months preparing for the event that features head-to-head competition in a fast-paced question and answer format similar to the TV show, Jeopardy. The students were quizzed on questions in Biology, Chemistry, Earth and Space Science, Energy, Mathematics and Physics. [MORE TEAM PHOTOS COMING]

First 16 in order

Edina 1

Wayzata 3

Edina 2

Wayzata 1

Blake 2

Minnetonka 2

Woodbury 2

Mounds View 2

Wayzata 2

Eden Prairie 1

Minnetonka 1

Chaska 2

Mounds View 1

St. Paul Academy 1

Parnassus 1

Maple Grove sent a team to the High School Science Bowl for the first time. Here's how team captain Taylor Nelson summed up the experience.

• "I was surprised by how good some of the teams were. Some teams knew almost every answer to every question. They were very intimidating. Though, there were also teams that didn't answer many questions, and teams that couldn't answer many questions correctly. What I enjoyed? Answering questions that are challenging, and working within a team. I tried to be humorous about not being able to answer tough questions, which helped make the experience even better. I also liked that it is similar to Jeopardy, but on a team. You don't feel alone, or alone feel the burden of a loss. I would equate it to the same enjoyment that people get from playing sports, except, you're using your brain so much more. Practicing for the tournament is where most of the effort comes in. That is where the true fun and learning comes from. It provides for a fun and resume-building activity." Taylor intends to learn more in the sciences after he starts college next year — his favorites are physics and biology.
• Teammate Anna Chabica is a ninth grader who is considering a career in medicine, with a particular interest in biology. "I want to help people the most I can for my career. I can only do so by knowing a lot, and participating in Science Bowl has helped me learn about all the branches of science." She added, "Science Bowl helps me meet people who have the same interests as me. Most of all, it's really fun and exciting to be part of."
• Junior Alessandro Snyder said his passion is psychology. "While the Science Bowl doesn't involve psychology-related questions, and while many criticize psychology as a legitimate science, it's still a field that I find extremely interesting, and I plan to act on that interest by studying the topic further at a college. The unexplained areas of psychology fascinate me, and that's why I've always enjoyed science - because it explains the unexplained." He enjoyed preparing for Science Bowl because "many of the questions cover a broad base of all science topics, and many of the questions are rather obscure, which only really enhances the learning. Plus, it helps allow all different kinds of people get together to learn more about science for the competition."

Photo of Maple Grove team, left to right: Carter Herman, Missy Deisting, Taylor Nelson (standing), Anna Chabica, and Alessandro Snyder.

Did not make the cut for final 16

Eden Prairie 2

Chanhassen 1

Burnsville 1,2,3

Woodbury 1

Carlton 1

STP Acad 2

Chaska 1

Stillwater 1

Woodbury 3

Blake 1

Albany 1

Kennedy 1

Albany 2

St Anthony Village 1

Albany 3

Chanhassen 2

Harding 1

Jefferson 1

Harding 2

Here's how some of our local students did at the 2016 International Science & Engineering Fair.

The global representation at National Science & Engineering Fair, held this year in Phoenix, introduces high school students to peers from places as far-flung as Qatar, Romania, Luxembourg and Argentina.

• Full 2016 Grand Award winners
• Full 2016 Special Award winners

Ester Rose Archer (top left)... Madeline McCue and Evelyn McChesney (top center)... Fair parent chaperones (top left).... some of the Minnesota contingent at international fair (center)... Archana Murali and Elena Berman (bottom)

Intel ISEF 2016 GRAND AWARD WINNERS

May 13, 2016, Phoenix, AZ – Society for Science & the Public, in partnership with the Intel Foundation, announced Grand Awards of the Intel ISEF 2016. Student winners are 9th through 12th graders who earned the right to compete at the Intel ISEF 2016 by winning a top prize at a local, regional, state or national science fair.

Translational Medical Science

Team project:  Brennen Clark and Prashant Godishala Breck School, Golden Valley, Minnesota

CHINA TRIP - Intel Foundation Cultural and Scientific Visit to China Award for their research "Predicting a Cancerous Outcome: Creating a Novel Test for Assessing Risk of Human Papilloma Virus-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer."

BEST IN CATEGORY - $5,000

First Grand - $3,000

Computational Biology and Bioinformatics

Team project: Archana Bhagyalakshmi Murali, and Elena Alexandra Berman, Breck School, Golden Valley, Minnesota

Second Grand $1,500 – “Window to the Brain: Using Retinal Biomarkers to Diagnose Alzheimer’s Disease”

Biomedical Engineering

Team project: Madeline Chawla McCue, and Evelyn Grace McChesney, Breck School, Golden Valley, Minnesota

Second Grand $1,500 – “Turning Probiotics into Antibiotics: Engineering a Broad-Spectrum Antibacterial Probiotic via Inclusion of Antimicrobial Peptide-Encoding DNA”, Year Two

Environmental Engineering

Ester Rose Archer, Loyola High School, Mankato, Minnesota 

Third Grand $1,000 - “Reducing Phosphorus in Stormwater Basins Using Algae Spherification”

Embedded Systems

Andrew John Eggebraaten, John Marshall High School, Rochester, Minnesota

Fourth Grand $500 - Engineering a Modern-Day Enigma Machine

Serena Liang Jing, Saint Paul Central High School, St. Paul, Minnesota

Fourth Grand- $500 – “Inexpensive, Portable Glucose Monitor for Diabetics via a Crosslinked Sensing Fluid”

The Best Overall Award Winning Projects (1,760 ISEF Students worldwide)

1.      Han Jie (Austin) Wang, of Vancouver, Canada is the recipient of the first place Gordon E. Moore Award and $75,000 for developing microbial fuel cells (MFCs) that more efficiently convert organic waste into electricity.

2.      Syamantak Payra, Friendswood, Texas, received one of two Intel Foundation Young Scientist Awards of $50,000 for developing a low-cost electronically-aided knee brace that allows an individual with a weakened leg to walk more naturally.

3.      Kathy Liu, of Salt Lake City, Utah, received the other Intel Foundation Young Scientist Award of $50,000 for developing an alternative battery component that could significantly improve battery performance and safety.

Intel ISEF 2016 Special Awards Ceremony

May 12, 2016, Phoenix, AZ – Society for Science & the Public, in partnership with the Intel Foundation, announced Special Awards of the Intel ISEF 2016. Student winners are ninth through twelfth graders who earned the right to compete at the Intel ISEF 2016 by winning a top award at a local, regional, state or national science fair. 

ALCOA FOUNDATION – Pujan Patel – Mayo High School, Rochester MN

Sustainable Design in Transportation, Second Award $1,500

Alcoa Foundation is one of the largest corporate foundations in the U.S., with assets of approximately $446 million. Founded 60 years ago, Alcoa Foundation has invested more than $550 million since 1952. Alcoa and Alcoa Foundation have contributed $38 million to nonprofit organizations throughout the world, focusing on Environment and Education. Through this work, Alcoa Foundation is building innovative partnerships, engaging its people to improve the environment and educating tomorrow's leaders.

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR HORTICULTURE SCIENCE – Sam Guldan, Cathedral High School, New Ulm MN

First Award of $1,000

Founded in 1903, the purposes of the American Society for Horticultural Science are to promote and encourage national and international interest in scientific research and education in horticulture in all its branches.

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY – Pujan Patel, Mayo High School, Rochester, MN and Claire Wentzlaff, Burnsville High School, Burnsville, MN

Arizona State University Intel ISEF Scholarship

Arizona State University is pleased to offer a comprehensive scholarship combining a monetary award and an environment focusing on knowledge, learning and research. The New American University Intel ISEF Scholarship is renewable for four years, Individuals and teams will be considered for these awards.

CHINA ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY –  (CAST) - Serena Liang, St Paul Central High School, St Paul, MN

Award of $ 1,200

China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) is the largest organization of scientists and technologists in China. One of its missions is to promote public understanding of science. Having developed science education programs, CAST supports youth and adolescents in becoming citizens with high scientific literacy. CAST awards are given to the projects that best reflect the originality and innovation of the students' work in all scientific disciplines.

SIGMA Xi, THE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SOCIETY – Brennan Clark and Prashant Godishala, Breck High School, Golden Valley, MN

Second Life Science Award of $1,000

Founded in 1886, Sigma Xi is the international honor society of research scientists and engineers, with a distinguished history of service to science and society. This multi-disciplinary society includes members who were elected based on their research achievements or potential, and historically, more than 200 members have won the Nobel Prize. The Society is pleased to offer awards for the best demonstration of interdisciplinary research.

Here's how some of our local students did at the 2016 International Science & Engineering Fair.

The global representation at National Science & Engineering Fair, held this year in Phoenix, introduces high school students to peers from places as far-flung as Qatar, Romania, Luxembourg and Argentina.

• Full 2016 Grand Award winners
• Full 2016 Special Award winners

Ester Rose Archer (top left)... Madeline McCue and Evelyn McChesney (top center)... Fair parent chaperones (top left).... some of the Minnesota contingent at international fair (center)... Archana Murali and Elena Berman (bottom)

Intel ISEF 2016 GRAND AWARD WINNERS

May 13, 2016, Phoenix, AZ – Society for Science & the Public, in partnership with the Intel Foundation, announced Grand Awards of the Intel ISEF 2016. Student winners are 9th through 12th graders who earned the right to compete at the Intel ISEF 2016 by winning a top prize at a local, regional, state or national science fair.

Translational Medical Science

Team project:  Brennen Clark and Prashant Godishala Breck School, Golden Valley, Minnesota

CHINA TRIP - Intel Foundation Cultural and Scientific Visit to China Award for their research "Predicting a Cancerous Outcome: Creating a Novel Test for Assessing Risk of Human Papilloma Virus-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer."

BEST IN CATEGORY - $5,000

First Grand - $3,000

Computational Biology and Bioinformatics

Team project: Archana Bhagyalakshmi Murali, and Elena Alexandra Berman, Breck School, Golden Valley, Minnesota

Second Grand $1,500 – “Window to the Brain: Using Retinal Biomarkers to Diagnose Alzheimer’s Disease”

Biomedical Engineering

Team project: Madeline Chawla McCue, and Evelyn Grace McChesney, Breck School, Golden Valley, Minnesota

Second Grand $1,500 – “Turning Probiotics into Antibiotics: Engineering a Broad-Spectrum Antibacterial Probiotic via Inclusion of Antimicrobial Peptide-Encoding DNA”, Year Two

Environmental Engineering

Ester Rose Archer, Loyola High School, Mankato, Minnesota 

Third Grand $1,000 - “Reducing Phosphorus in Stormwater Basins Using Algae Spherification”

Embedded Systems

Andrew John Eggebraaten, John Marshall High School, Rochester, Minnesota

Fourth Grand $500 - Engineering a Modern-Day Enigma Machine

Serena Liang Jing, Saint Paul Central High School, St. Paul, Minnesota

Fourth Grand- $500 – “Inexpensive, Portable Glucose Monitor for Diabetics via a Crosslinked Sensing Fluid”

The Best Overall Award Winning Projects (1,760 ISEF Students worldwide)

1.      Han Jie (Austin) Wang, of Vancouver, Canada is the recipient of the first place Gordon E. Moore Award and $75,000 for developing microbial fuel cells (MFCs) that more efficiently convert organic waste into electricity.

2.      Syamantak Payra, Friendswood, Texas, received one of two Intel Foundation Young Scientist Awards of $50,000 for developing a low-cost electronically-aided knee brace that allows an individual with a weakened leg to walk more naturally.

3.      Kathy Liu, of Salt Lake City, Utah, received the other Intel Foundation Young Scientist Award of $50,000 for developing an alternative battery component that could significantly improve battery performance and safety.

Intel ISEF 2016 Special Awards Ceremony

May 12, 2016, Phoenix, AZ – Society for Science & the Public, in partnership with the Intel Foundation, announced Special Awards of the Intel ISEF 2016. Student winners are ninth through twelfth graders who earned the right to compete at the Intel ISEF 2016 by winning a top award at a local, regional, state or national science fair. 

ALCOA FOUNDATION – Pujan Patel – Mayo High School, Rochester MN

Sustainable Design in Transportation, Second Award $1,500

Alcoa Foundation is one of the largest corporate foundations in the U.S., with assets of approximately $446 million. Founded 60 years ago, Alcoa Foundation has invested more than $550 million since 1952. Alcoa and Alcoa Foundation have contributed $38 million to nonprofit organizations throughout the world, focusing on Environment and Education. Through this work, Alcoa Foundation is building innovative partnerships, engaging its people to improve the environment and educating tomorrow's leaders.

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR HORTICULTURE SCIENCE – Sam Guldan, Cathedral High School, New Ulm MN

First Award of $1,000

Founded in 1903, the purposes of the American Society for Horticultural Science are to promote and encourage national and international interest in scientific research and education in horticulture in all its branches.

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY – Pujan Patel, Mayo High School, Rochester, MN and Claire Wentzlaff, Burnsville High School, Burnsville, MN

Arizona State University Intel ISEF Scholarship

Arizona State University is pleased to offer a comprehensive scholarship combining a monetary award and an environment focusing on knowledge, learning and research. The New American University Intel ISEF Scholarship is renewable for four years, Individuals and teams will be considered for these awards.

CHINA ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY –  (CAST) - Serena Liang, St Paul Central High School, St Paul, MN

Award of $ 1,200

China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) is the largest organization of scientists and technologists in China. One of its missions is to promote public understanding of science. Having developed science education programs, CAST supports youth and adolescents in becoming citizens with high scientific literacy. CAST awards are given to the projects that best reflect the originality and innovation of the students' work in all scientific disciplines.

SIGMA Xi, THE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SOCIETY – Brennan Clark and Prashant Godishala, Breck High School, Golden Valley, MN

Second Life Science Award of $1,000

Founded in 1886, Sigma Xi is the international honor society of research scientists and engineers, with a distinguished history of service to science and society. This multi-disciplinary society includes members who were elected based on their research achievements or potential, and historically, more than 200 members have won the Nobel Prize. The Society is pleased to offer awards for the best demonstration of interdisciplinary research.

Here's how some of our local students did at the 2016 International Science & Engineering Fair.

The global representation at National Science & Engineering Fair, held this year in Phoenix, introduces high school students to peers from places as far-flung as Qatar, Romania, Luxembourg and Argentina.

• Full 2016 Grand Award winners
• Full 2016 Special Award winners

Ester Rose Archer (top left)... Madeline McCue and Evelyn McChesney (top center)... Fair parent chaperones (top left).... some of the Minnesota contingent at international fair (center)... Archana Murali and Elena Berman (bottom)

Intel ISEF 2016 GRAND AWARD WINNERS

May 13, 2016, Phoenix, AZ – Society for Science & the Public, in partnership with the Intel Foundation, announced Grand Awards of the Intel ISEF 2016. Student winners are 9th through 12th graders who earned the right to compete at the Intel ISEF 2016 by winning a top prize at a local, regional, state or national science fair.

Translational Medical Science

Team project:  Brennen Clark and Prashant Godishala Breck School, Golden Valley, Minnesota

CHINA TRIP - Intel Foundation Cultural and Scientific Visit to China Award for their research "Predicting a Cancerous Outcome: Creating a Novel Test for Assessing Risk of Human Papilloma Virus-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer."

BEST IN CATEGORY - $5,000

First Grand - $3,000

Computational Biology and Bioinformatics

Team project: Archana Bhagyalakshmi Murali, and Elena Alexandra Berman, Breck School, Golden Valley, Minnesota

Second Grand $1,500 – “Window to the Brain: Using Retinal Biomarkers to Diagnose Alzheimer’s Disease”

Biomedical Engineering

Team project: Madeline Chawla McCue, and Evelyn Grace McChesney, Breck School, Golden Valley, Minnesota

Second Grand $1,500 – “Turning Probiotics into Antibiotics: Engineering a Broad-Spectrum Antibacterial Probiotic via Inclusion of Antimicrobial Peptide-Encoding DNA”, Year Two

Environmental Engineering

Ester Rose Archer, Loyola High School, Mankato, Minnesota 

Third Grand $1,000 - “Reducing Phosphorus in Stormwater Basins Using Algae Spherification”

Embedded Systems

Andrew John Eggebraaten, John Marshall High School, Rochester, Minnesota

Fourth Grand $500 - Engineering a Modern-Day Enigma Machine

Serena Liang Jing, Saint Paul Central High School, St. Paul, Minnesota

Fourth Grand- $500 – “Inexpensive, Portable Glucose Monitor for Diabetics via a Crosslinked Sensing Fluid”

The Best Overall Award Winning Projects (1,760 ISEF Students worldwide)

1.      Han Jie (Austin) Wang, of Vancouver, Canada is the recipient of the first place Gordon E. Moore Award and $75,000 for developing microbial fuel cells (MFCs) that more efficiently convert organic waste into electricity.

2.      Syamantak Payra, Friendswood, Texas, received one of two Intel Foundation Young Scientist Awards of $50,000 for developing a low-cost electronically-aided knee brace that allows an individual with a weakened leg to walk more naturally.

3.      Kathy Liu, of Salt Lake City, Utah, received the other Intel Foundation Young Scientist Award of $50,000 for developing an alternative battery component that could significantly improve battery performance and safety.

Intel ISEF 2016 Special Awards Ceremony

May 12, 2016, Phoenix, AZ – Society for Science & the Public, in partnership with the Intel Foundation, announced Special Awards of the Intel ISEF 2016. Student winners are ninth through twelfth graders who earned the right to compete at the Intel ISEF 2016 by winning a top award at a local, regional, state or national science fair. 

ALCOA FOUNDATION – Pujan Patel – Mayo High School, Rochester MN

Sustainable Design in Transportation, Second Award $1,500

Alcoa Foundation is one of the largest corporate foundations in the U.S., with assets of approximately $446 million. Founded 60 years ago, Alcoa Foundation has invested more than $550 million since 1952. Alcoa and Alcoa Foundation have contributed $38 million to nonprofit organizations throughout the world, focusing on Environment and Education. Through this work, Alcoa Foundation is building innovative partnerships, engaging its people to improve the environment and educating tomorrow's leaders.

AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR HORTICULTURE SCIENCE – Sam Guldan, Cathedral High School, New Ulm MN

First Award of $1,000

Founded in 1903, the purposes of the American Society for Horticultural Science are to promote and encourage national and international interest in scientific research and education in horticulture in all its branches.

ARIZONA STATE UNIVERSITY – Pujan Patel, Mayo High School, Rochester, MN and Claire Wentzlaff, Burnsville High School, Burnsville, MN

Arizona State University Intel ISEF Scholarship

Arizona State University is pleased to offer a comprehensive scholarship combining a monetary award and an environment focusing on knowledge, learning and research. The New American University Intel ISEF Scholarship is renewable for four years, Individuals and teams will be considered for these awards.

CHINA ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY –  (CAST) - Serena Liang, St Paul Central High School, St Paul, MN

Award of $ 1,200

China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) is the largest organization of scientists and technologists in China. One of its missions is to promote public understanding of science. Having developed science education programs, CAST supports youth and adolescents in becoming citizens with high scientific literacy. CAST awards are given to the projects that best reflect the originality and innovation of the students' work in all scientific disciplines.

SIGMA Xi, THE SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH SOCIETY – Brennan Clark and Prashant Godishala, Breck High School, Golden Valley, MN

Second Life Science Award of $1,000

Founded in 1886, Sigma Xi is the international honor society of research scientists and engineers, with a distinguished history of service to science and society. This multi-disciplinary society includes members who were elected based on their research achievements or potential, and historically, more than 200 members have won the Nobel Prize. The Society is pleased to offer awards for the best demonstration of interdisciplinary research.

Some of the winners are featured in the Minnesota Academy of Science Journal of Student Research.  

High school students are invited to apply to the STEM Communicator awards program by March 15 each year in order to participate. Find details here.

To learn more: kmnewell@mnmas.org

2018 Winners

Addison Gleekel & Melinda Samaratunga               

Catherine Pirtle & Lana Trautman                             

Cole Maxwell                                                            

David Ahrens, Cas Roland & Christiana Wilke         

Louise Kim & Spencer Yueh                                    

Nathan Tank & Dylan Vincent                                   

Rohan Patel                                                             

Samuel Aronson & Alex Cheng            �