Kissler will represent WA at GENIUS Olympiad in NY

Advanced STEM Researcher Cole Kissler was recently selected by the Mid-Columbia Science and Engineering Fair to represent Washington state at the 2015 GENIUS Olympiad, where he will present his science research, “Engineering an Aluminum Cone-Studded Solar Panel to Increase Output Efficiency.” Top high school researchers from all over the United States will display their innovative ideas at the State University of New York in Oswego.

The GENIUS Olympiad promotes a global understanding of environmental issues and the achievement of sustainability through basic science, arts, creative writing, engineering, design and business development. It provides challenges and opportunities for secondary school students to instill in them the skills and knowledge needed to be the citizens, leaders, scientists, artists, writers, engineers and policy makers of the future – agents who will promote and contribute to greater environmental sustainability throughout their lives. GENIUS is also an abbreviation of Global Environmental Issues and Us.

During the week of June 14-19, 2015, Kissler has been invited to share his research in the category of Resources and Energy, encompassing the study of energy sources, such as mineral, water, wood, coal, oil, gas, nuclear, wind, sun, and soil sources, including efforts to increase efficiency in producing energy and to reduce the impact of their use on the environment. The GENIUS Olympiad seeks solutions to problems related to responsible use of non-renewable natural resources.

Kissler’s research in improving solar panel efficiency and his novel way of creating solar panels has earned him this honor. He will continue to improve his research and collect more data before attending the conference in New York.