Chance Messer

Odessa High School junior Chance Messer has been selected by the International Sustainable World Energy, Engineering and Environment Project Olympiad (I-SWEEEP) to present his engineering research, "Engineering Flettner Rotors to Increase Propulsion." His engineering design utilizes the Magnus effect, where two tall rotating cylinders (Flettner rotors) placed onto the deck of a cargo boat would increase its propulsion by 15 percent. Increasing the propulsion would decrease travel times and therefore also fuel costs and emissions. Without wind to assist the Flettner rotors, Messer increased propulsion by 17 percent, but with wind assistance he increased propulsion to 42 percent!

High school researchers from all over the world will display their innovative ideas at George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. More than 1,000 participants will share their ideas, experience and knowledge to promote global sustainability in the near future. The Olympiad promotes engineering inventions and energy efficiency/management discoveries, which will nurture environmentally-friendly technology concepts in secondary education and provides secondary-school students the opportunity to position themselves to be the pre-imminent scientists and engineers of the future. It will be these individuals who have a greater understanding of global issues and the importance of technology in achieving global sustainability that will be at the forefront of environmental research and development.

During the week of April 26 – May 1, 2016, Messer and science teacher Jeffery Wehr are invited to join the rest of the world as students vie for cash prizes and scholarships totaling nearly half a million dollars. Messer earned first-place awards at both regional and state presentations. He says he is honored to be selected to represent the Odessa community and Washington state.