FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Feb. 3, 2009

Contact: K.E. Schwab  

724.738.2199

 karl.schwab@sru.edu

Junior high, senior high scientists exhibit their research at SRU

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. – Nearly $25,000 in scholarship and awards will be presented when more than 500 junior high and senior high school students from western Pennsylvania schools gather at Slippery Rock University Feb. 21 for the 52nd annual meeting of the Region IX Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science.

            This is the 12th year the science fair has been hosted at SRU.

            “This is a great opportunity for junior high and senior high school students to present their individual science research and projects, and at the same time possibly earn scholarships and other awards to aid their college education. It is also a great opportunity for them to get to know the Slippery Rock University campus and the various offerings, including those in science and mathematics,” said William Sigmund, professor of biology and campus coordinator for the event.

           SRU will offer a $12,000 scholarship to the top senior and the top junior attending the event. In addition Sigma XI, the SRU chapter of the national scientific research society, will offer $100 awards to the top junior and top senior. 

           The Region IX committee and other program sponsors will offer cash awards or gift certificates to presenters in each of the designated disciplines. The SRU mathematics department will present a $100 award to the top junior high and top senior high presenters in mathematics, and the SRU biology department will do the same for biology presenters.

           As part of the competition, judges spend eight-10 minutes with the presenters as they detail their project. Judges may ask questions before rating the presentation. College professors, high school teachers, people in business, medical professionals and college students serve as judges. 

           All participants receiving "First Place" designations qualify to participate in the state competition in May.

           Robert Smith, SRU president, will welcome judges at an 11 a.m. luncheon in Weisenfluh Dining Hall, and Susan Hannam, dean of SRU’s College of Health, Environment and Science, will welcome student scientists to the 6 p.m. awards ceremony in the University Union.

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.