Media Advisory: Top teen scientists to compete Saturday in state science fair

BUFFALO, N.Y. – A few dozen of the state’s most promising student scientists will meet Saturday at the New York State Science Congress hosted by the University at Buffalo.

The event features students from City Honors School in Buffalo, Williamsville South High School, Holy Ghost Lutheran School in Niagara Falls and St. Aloysius Regional School in Springville, as well as students from throughout New York State. It combines:

• A science fair in which students are judged on poster board presentations of their research.
• Tours of the campus, including a look inside UB’s earthquake engineering laboratory and other facilities.
• Lectures about how engineers can stop water from flowing over Niagara Falls, and lessons about air pollution and invasive aquatic species.

To participate in the event, students had to first win their local science fairs. On Saturday, they will compete against the best of the best, with plaques and monetary awards handed out to students whose research, presentations and knowledge most impress the judges, who include local scientists, engineers, doctors and other professionals.

“Every year, the New York State Science Congress brings together some of the sharpest young minds throughout the state. This year is no exception. Dozens of students from Long Island to Buffalo will meet to learn from each other, as well as professionals in the Buffalo Niagara region, in this fun and exciting event,” said Susan Sullivan, chair of the conference.

“The University at Buffalo is committed to educational outreach, especially nurturing students at this stage who are interested in pursuing studies in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM,” said Lee H. Melvin, vice provost for enrollment at UB. “The New York State Science Congress is a wonderful opportunity to introduce these young scholars to UB’s world-class facilities and professors. I am pleased to announce that some of these students will be selected to receive scholarships to UB in recognition of their outstanding performance at this event.”

Event organizers will offer scholarships – $2,500 annually for two years – to a maximum of eight students.

Here are additional details about the event:

Who: 60 students, grades 7-12, from throughout New York State. Each student won their local science fair.

When: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 4.

Where: The Student Union on UB’s North Campus (building No. 29 on this map: http://www.buffalo.edu/content/dam/www/shared_assets/campus_maps/NorthCampus_bus-routes-opt.pdf).

On-site contact: Susan Sullivan, chair of the New York State Science Congress.

The annual event is organized and sponsored by the Science Teachers Association of New York State (STANYS). Co-sponsors of this year’s event include the Western New York Science Congress Inc. and UB.

Additional support has been provided by Visit Buffalo Niagara, the Technical Societies Council of the Niagara Frontier and New York Sea Grant. Siemens provided promotional items.