Wehr, Powell are headed to National Science Symposium

Only 18 students were selected by Washington state to be delegates at the Golden Anniversary 50th Washington Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS). This year, Odessa High School senior Kira Powell and freshman Thorsen Wehr were selected by Dr. Ray Myers and the Washington JSHS to be delegates at the symposium.

Wehr earned third place overall and received a $1,000 scholarship. Powell earned fourth place overall. Earning two of the top five positions at the state level qualified both Odessa students to attend the National Science Symposium to be held this year in Bethesda, Md. May 2 - 6, 2012, and present the following research projects:

Wehr: “Focusing Sound Waves Using a Nonlinear Acoustic Lens.”

Powell: “The Development of a Novel Sodium Polyacrylate Treatment.”

Both students are taking an advanced science research class under the direction of OHS science teacher Jeff Wehr and were selected for the symposium after preparing and submitting a written report in accordance with the symposium's guidelines. Each will deliver a concise oral presentation to the symposium. Last year, Powell was the grand prize winner at this event, earning her both the National Award at San Diego, as well as a research opportunity in London, England and a visit to CERN in Geneva, Switzerland.

“Again, the presentations were high-quality,” said Jeff Wehr about the science research being conducted in Washington state. “We were ecstatically surprised to have both Thorsen and Kira represent the state of Washington at this year’s National Symposium!”