The Ohio State University Chapter of Sigma Xi sponsors two awards at the Ohio Academy of Science‘s State Science Day, held each spring at The Ohio State University campus.
Each year, thousands of students from all over Ohio complete independent research projects. These students present their research at the local and the district level, and the highest-rated projects go on to compete at the State Science Day. This event is the high-point of student-based scientific-research, and in 2018 it entered its 70th year!
On May 12th, 2018, more than 1,200 students in grades 5 – 12 exhibited their science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) projects. These STEM scholars from 355 schools throughout Ohio, competed for nearly $700,000 in scholarships and sponsored awards. The Ohio State University Chapter of Sigma Xi sponsors two of these special awards: the Interdisciplinary Research Award and the Science of Evolution Award. This is a highly rewarding and inspiring outreach opportunity for Sigma Xi members to judge projects and encourage budding young scientists.
Interdisciplinary Research Award
The Interdisciplinary Research Award is awarded to the best team project, and in previous years the awards have included engraved plaques for 1st place winners in grades 7-9 and 10-12 respectively, a one-year subscription to American Scientist, attendance at The Ohio State University Chapter of Sigma Xi Annual Banquet, and $100 cash prizes. Who’s Eligible? Individuals= N Teams=Y.
Science of Evolution Award
The Science of Evolution Award is awarded to the best project that addresses a research question in evolutionary biology or tests a hypothesis within a broad framework of evolutionary theory. In previous years the awards have included certificates and engraved plaques for each awardee, a one-year subscription to American Scientist, attendance at The Ohio State University Chapter of Sigma Xi Annual Banquet, and $200 cash prizes. Who’s Eligible? Individuals= Y Teams=N.
Congratulations to the 2018 Winners
Interdisciplinary Research Award (Grade 10-12)
- Ms. Yue-Shan Lam and Ms. Emily Lin Ritchie – “Staying on Top” – Dayton Regional STEM School, Kettering
Interdisciplinary Research Award (Grade 7-9)
- Mr. Dylan Hartman and Mr. Logan House – “How Do Bearings Reduce Friction” – Ada High School, Ada
Evolution Award First Place
- Ms. Karen Elise Snyder – “Analysis of the mitochondrial genome of Relicanthus daphneae” – Upper Arlinton High School, Upper Arlington