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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 4, 2008
Contact: K.E. Schwab
724.738.2199
karl.schwab@sru.edu
Science projects earn budding scientists SRU scholarships
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. Adam Dobson, a Seneca Valley High School senior, and Kathie Richey, Kennedy Catholic High, Sharon, junior, were named the top science students at the 2008 Region IX Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Competition at Slippery Rock University. Both received four-year, SRU scholarships totaling $24,000 for their efforts.
The annual event drew more than 500 budding junior high and high school scientists from throughout the western Pennsylvania region. SRU President Robert Smith welcomed the students and their parents and detailed opportunities for science exploration at the University, including combined faculty and student research work.
Richeys winning entry involved a mathematics project titled Error Correcting Codes. Her sponsor was Erika Temperato. Dobsons project was titled Effects of Dabrowskis Overexcitabilities on Giftedness. His sponsor was Dale Wagner.
Both also received a $100 award from Sigma Xi, the SRU chapter of the national scientific research society.
The SRU mathematics department and biology department awarded $100 to the outstanding junior high and senior high presenters in their disciplines.
Aaron Davis, a senior at Knoch High School received the Senior High Biology Award for his project Copper Sulfate in Aquatic Systems. His sponsor was Ray Greco. Taylor Shimshock, an eighth-grader at St. Joseph School in Clarion, received the Junior High Biology Award for her project titled The Effect of Light and Dark on the Regeneration of Planaria. Margaret Alford was her sponsor.
Eric Krause, an eight-grader at Immaculate Conception in Sharon, received the Junior High Mathematics Award for his project Exploring Fractals. Lauren Satkowski was his sponsor. She also received a $100 award in the Senior High Mathematics category.
A number of other participants received cash or gift certificates for their work from Region IX.
William Sigmund, SRU professor of biology and campus coordinator for the competition, told those attending, I truly appreciate your enthusiasm and love for the sciences. I commend you for the weeks and months of hard work clearly put into your science projects.
More than 20 SRU faculty members, along with high school teachers and others involved in science and medicine served as judges for the event. Joining the judges panel were 35 SRU students, many from Beta Beta Beta, the campus biology honorary.
All students earning "First Place" honors at the competition now advance to the state competition in May in State College.
Next year's meeting at SRU is Feb. 21.
Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvanias 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.
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