Kissler awarded honorable mention and scholarship

Odessa High School sophomore Cole Kissler, a member of the Advanced STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) Research class was selected back in March by the Mid-Columbia Science and Engineering Fair to represent Washington state at the 2015 GENIUS Olympiad in Oswego, New York. Kissler and his mentor and teacher Jeff Wehr flew into Syracuse and then traveled to Oswego to present his science research project, "Engineering an Aluminum Cone-Studded Solar Panel to Increase Output Efficiency."

Students from more than 65 countries and 40 U.S. states displayed their innovative ideas at State University of New York at Oswego (SUNY Oswego). The GENIUS Olympiad promotes global understanding of environmental issues and the achievement of sustainability through basic science, arts, creative writing, engineering, design and business development. The Olympiad was held June 14-19, 2015.

Of the more than 1,400 applicants, the list was narrowed down to nearly 500 who were selected to present their research. Kissler shared his research in the category of Resources and Energy. His research into improving solar panel efficiency and his novel way of creating solar panels earned him this honor.

In addition to the level of research presented, Kissler was amazed by the various ethnicities represented. Students from countries such as Kazakhstan, Mozambique, Ukraine, and many more gave out gifts and wore ethnic costumes.

Kissler gave a strong presentation for a sophomore, said Wehr, who was very happy with how the young man interacted with the international judges.

The next day, Wehr and Kissler drove past Rochester and visited Niagara Falls as part of a large international contingency, making sure to take advantage of the Maid of the Mist boat tour.

After an exciting week of cultural and scientific exchange, Kissler was called up to the GENIUS Olympiad stage to earn the Honorable Mention Award, complete with a $5,000 renewable scholarship to SUNY Oswego.

The Advanced STEM Research Laboratory at Odessa High, Wehr and Kissler were gratified by the support extended to them by the Odessa School District and community. To follow up-to-date happenings in the program, visit the ASR website at http://www.wehrdscience.com/ASR or follow ASR Labs on Twitter at @ohsASR or on Facebook: Advanced-STEM-Research-Laboratory.