Five AISD students were recognized as brilliant scientists at this year's ExxonMobil Texas Science and Engineering Fair. The state competition, hosted by The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) College of Sciences, drew more than 1,000 young Texans.

Hosted by The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) College of Sciences, the state-level competition offered students who placed at regional science fairs the opportunity to vie for top prizes and college scholarships as well as a spot at the international science fair.

Sydney Hutton (right), a freshman at Bowie High School, earned one of the top awards in the fair’s senior division. The young scientist received First Grand Prize in the senior division for her behavioral and social sciences project: “The Effects of Organic Labeling on Taste Perception.”

Other AISD students to take home awards included:

• Bryson Hill, Murchison Middle School, second place in junior-division mathematical sciences;
• Alex Crisara, Anderson High School, fourth place in senior-division engineering: electrical/mechanical;
• Serena Zadoo, Anderson High School, fifth place in senior-division environmental sciences/analysis; and
• Mia Spennato, Murchison Middle School, fifth place in junior-division biochemistry.

Winners were selected from 1,000 participants representing two divisions — junior (grades six through eight) and senior (grades nine through 12). First- through fifth-place winners received awards in one of 17 categories. Two Grand-Prize winners and one Best-in-Show project were also selected from each division.
 
As part of the prize package, Hutton will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to compete at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair May 6-12 in Pittsburgh.

ExxonMobil Foundation has sponsored the state-level competition for 12 consecutive years. The foundation provides a $75,000 grant to support the event and a portion of the grant also funds a diversity recruitment initiative to help defray costs associated with fair entry, which would otherwise prohibit some students from participating. The Texas Workforce Commission also provides support for the fair.

To be eligible to participate in the EMTSEF, students won first- through third-place or grand prize at one of 12 regional fairs held across Texas. Each regional fair is sanctioned by Science Service, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the understanding and appreciation of science among people of all ages.
            
Click here to learn more about the 2012 ExxonMobil Texas Science and Engineering Fair. 

Congratulations to all of the winners!