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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2007
Contact: K.E. Schwab -- 724-738-2199
karl.schwab@sru.edu
Junior scientists invade University for annual PJAS
competition
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Nearly every area of science will be
represented when 500 seventh- through 12th -grade
scientists converge on Slippery Rock University Feb. 24 for the
annual Region IX meeting of the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of
Science competition. The budding researchers will compete for
$24,000 in SRU scholarships.
This year’s academy marks the organization’s 50th annual
meeting, the 10th at SRU. The region includes students from
Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Clarion, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence
and Mercer counties.
Two, four-year scholarships will be presented to the top senior and
junior electing to attend SRU.
Participating students present an eight- to 10-minute session
detailing their research project to a three-judge panel, which may
then ask questions. Those earning “First Place” honors move on to
compete at the state level in May.
In
addition to the scholarships, $100 awards from Sigma XI, the SRU
chapter of the national scientific research society, will be
presented to the top senior and junior. SRU’s mathematics
department will award $100 to the top senior and junior high school
students who presents a mathematics-related project, and SRU’s
biology department will award $100 to the top senior and junior in
the biology-related presentations. Top presenters in each science
discipline also receive prizes from the PJAS.
“This event gives 500 science students and budding researchers an
opportunity to visit our campus and expand their interests in the
sciences through exposure to the work of others and by talking with
experts in the field,” said William R. Sigmund, SRU biology
professor and campus coordinator. “The energy of these young
scientists at the awards ceremony is inspiring.”
SRU
President Robert Smith will welcome the event’s 175 judges at an
11:15 a.m. luncheon in Boozel Dining Hall. Judges include college
professors, high school teachers, business leaders, medical
professionals and college students.
The students will gather for a 12:45 p.m. opening orientation
in the University Union. William Williams, provost and vice
president for academic affairs, will be on hand for the 6 p.m.
awards ceremony.
For
more information contact Sigmund at 724-738-2481.
Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania’s premier
public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides
students with a comprehensive learning experience that
intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced
educational and learning opportunities that make a positive
difference in their lives.
PN, PgN, WPN, PR
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