Can new acoustic metamaterials reduce broadband noise?
Can voxel-based morphometry and time-frequency analysis of epilepsy better detect ictal disturbances of consciousness? How can machine learning predict sewer flooding?
More than 220 sixth- through 12th-graders answered these questions and more through poster presentations and competed for nearly $15,000 in prizes at the Alabama Science and Technology Fair (ASEF) at Auburn University. Ta.
This university-wide outreach event was coordinated by the School of Science and Mathematics' STEM Outreach Office and sponsored by businesses, educational foundations, and the Auburn Office of the Dean of Science and Mathematics (COSAM), Samuel Ginn Institute of Technology, and the School of Science and Mathematics . Agriculture, Raymond J. Herbert College of Commerce, Harrison College of Pharmacy, and School of Veterinary Medicine.
The City of Auburn has been hosting ASEF since 2021 as part of Alabama's STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and workforce development hub.
Virginia Davis, Daniel and Josephine Breeden Professor of Chemical Engineering and regional engagement director for ASEF, said STEM education is essential to the state's continued economic growth.
“Alabama has transitioned to a manufacturing economy and is now the nation's largest exporter of automobiles,” Davis said. “The state's economy is also supported by strengths in the biosciences, advanced materials, and aerospace industries. Even traditional economic bases like agriculture require STEM skills. Events like ASEF Plant seeds in children's hearts.”
ASEF participants (winners from four regions of the state: Mobile, Central Alabama, North Alabama, and Greater East Alabama) spend months researching, researching, and analyzing topics they find interesting. They learn how to answer questions using the scientific method, present their work to mentors, graduate students, faculty, and even industry representatives, engage with them to learn about their work, and then… Build skills and confidence by providing positive and constructive feedback.
COSAM STEM Outreach Center Director and Fair Director Mary Lou Ewald believes ASEF is not only a showcase for innovative projects, but also a place to celebrate young minds who embrace the wonders of STEM. Masu.
“Through ASEF and similar initiatives, non-formal STEM education is the foundation for developing tomorrow's STEM leaders,” said Ewald, who was appointed along with Davis to the Alabama STEM Council by Governor Kay Ivey in 2020. he said. Instills critical thinking skills and inspires creativity to produce cutting-edge research. ASEF's success is not measured only by trophies and accolades, but by whether it inspires dreams and inspires future innovations. ”
In addition to the numerous research projects presented at ASEF, attendees had the opportunity to participate in interactive exhibits representing fields such as animal science, forest products, plasma physics, engineering, music, and more.
“This was a true campus experience for students and their families,” said Jessica Gilpin, assistant director of COSAM STEM Outreach. “They were able to immerse themselves in the college atmosphere. It wasn't just a single college, it was Auburn's premier college. We do this because today's kids are tomorrow's students. Because it's the future, and STEM education is everywhere. All workforce development opportunities that involve kids, like science and engineering fairs, lead to that.”
Davis said hosting ASEF is a win-win for Auburn and fair attendees.
“Having a state fair helps us fulfill our land-grant mission, helps us recruit the best students in the state, and provides our current students with an opportunity to give back,” Davis said. said. “It also provides an avenue for faculty and students to test ideas and build the infrastructure for the fair system.
ASEF winners were Will Bao of Auburn High School, Liana Mahacente of Tuscaloosa Northridge High School, and Max Risee of Indian Springs High School, and Regeneron International Science & • The International Science and Regeneron International Science and Regeneron International Science and Regeneron Competition will compete for more than $4 million against 1,800 other participants from more than 50 countries. An engineering fair is being held in Los Angeles this weekend.
Bao's research presentation, “Machine Learning-Driven Discovery of Novel Acoustic Metamaterials for Broadband Noise Mitigation,” was not only an ASEF finalist, but also won the grand prize, the Southern Research Moving Science Award.
A complete list of 2024 award winners is available on ASEF's website.
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