Odessa youth compete in virtual science fair

ODESSA - Five local high school students presented independent science and engineering research March 18 during the annual Eastern Washington Regional Science and Engineering Fair.

This year, the competion was virtual, and conducted online.

Each completed the paperwork required, uploaded poster presentations, and waited for the judges decisions.

Although many of the special awards could not occur this year, these aspiring scientists earned the following Regional Awards:

Chloe Winkler with "Postharvest Canola Stalk for Cellulosic Ethanol Production" - First Place Overall Senior Division, Spokane; First Place Senior Division Award in Energy Sciences, Spokane; International Science & Engineering Fair Award, Anaheim, Calif.

Josie Westmoreland with "Delta 18-O in Dendrochronological Samples As An Indicator For Climate Change" - First Place Overall Senior Division, Spokane; First Place Senior Division Award in Environmental Sciences, Spokane; International Science & Engineering Fair Alternate, Anaheim, Calif.

Emily Scrupps with "Coding And Printing 3D Biological Material" - Honorable Mention, Senior Division, Spokane.

Chase Kissler with "Engineering a Polarized Visor with Adjustable Transparency" - Honorable Mention, Senior Division, Spokane.

Nathan Carstensen with "Application of Recyclable Fabric for the Cultural Control of Watermilfoil" -Honorable Mention, Senior Division, Spokane.

First-place winners were then entered into competition with all other winners, regardless of category, competing for the overall gold, silver and bronze awards and a chance to attend the International Science and Engineering Fair.

This year, that event is set for May 10-15 in Anaheim, Calif.

Winkler the finalist at the Eastern Washington Regional Science & Engineering Fair, would normally prepare to attend.

However, due to travel restrictions and coronavirus shutdowns, this year's upcoming competition has been canceled.

Regional fair

Three of the local students also presented their independent research on March 27 during the 63rd Annual - but virtual -Washington State Science and Engineering Fair from their homes.

From among more than 120 students competing, local students won the following awards in their respective categories:

Chloe Winkler with "Postharvest Canola Stalk for Cellulosic Ethanol Production" - First Place Senior Division Award in Energy Sciences. She won a trophy and ribbon.

She also received a Top 10 Finalist Award.

Josie Westmoreland with "Delta 18-O in Dendrochronological Samples As An Indicator For Climate Change" -First Place Senior Division Award in Environmental Sciences. She won a trophy and Ribbon.

Emily Scrupps with "Coding And Printing 3D Biological Material" - Second Place Senior Division Award in Biomedical Engineering.