2012 California State Science Fair Winners Announced

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May 04, 2012, 06:06 ET

Students, Parents and Teachers Gather to Hear the Results

LOS ANGELES, May 4, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Winners of the 2012 California State Science Fair were announced during ceremonies that took place May 1, 2012, at the California Science Center. This year's fair drew 993 students from over 400 schools across the state, with finalists selected by a volunteer pool of more than 300 scientists and engineers from private industry and higher education. Students took home a combined total of over $50,000 in cash prizes.

The presenting sponsors of the 2012 California State Science Fair were Northrop Grumman Corporation and Chevron Corporation, with additional support from THE MUSES of the California Science Center Foundation and The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation.

Top Awards

Aryo Sorayya, an 11th grade student from Monte Vista High School, Danville (Contra Costa County), was selected for the Project of the Year—Senior Division Award and received a $5,000 cash prize. His project was titled "Overcoming the Cold Chain: Designing a Novel Freeze-Stable Vaccine." Maya Varma, an 8th grade student from Lawson (Sam H.) Middle School, Cupertino (Santa Clara County), was chosen for the Project of the Year—Junior Division Award and received a $2,500 cash prize. Her project was titled "Arduino-Based Foot Neuropathy Analyzer." Two special committees, one for each division, reviewed all first place, winning projects from every subject category in order to select the best project in each division.

Sulekha Ramayya, a senior at Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, was named California State Science Fair Student of the Year and was presented with a $1,000 cash prize. The project entry was titled "Increasing the Efficiency of DMFCs Using Different Supply Conditions, Temperatures, and Catalysts." This award is presented to the high school senior who, in the opinion of the judges, best exemplifies the qualities necessary for success in science.

Christina Fisher, a teacher at Raney (Letha) Intermediate School in Corona (Riverside County) was named California State Science Fair Teacher of the Year—Junior Division, and Jacob Bagnell, a teacher at Anderson Valley Junior/Senior High School in Boonville (Mendocino County) was named California State Science Fair Teacher of the Year—Senior Division. Each received a $2,000 cash prize.

Jeffrey N. Rudolph, President and CEO of the California Science Center, commented, "The California State Science Fair is a chance for future leaders in science to test and apply the concepts they've learned about in class. When students can experiment and explore by creating their own projects, they're doing what science is all about and they love it." The Science Center's involvement with the annual event dates back more than 50 years and is in keeping with its efforts to stimulate and nurture public interest in science, math and technology.

In addition to the top awards, 274 students placed 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and Honorable Mention in the Category Awards. A complete list of Category Award winners as well as information on recipients of Special and Recognition awards can be viewed at www.californiasciencecenter.org/CSSF/.

General Info:

The California Science Center and IMAX Theater are located in historic Exposition Park just west of the Harbor (110) Freeway at 700 Exposition Park Drive, Los Angeles. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. General admission is free. For recorded information, including IMAX show times, call 323.SCIENCE (323.724-3623). IMAX ticket prices range from $5.00 to $8.25. For advance ticket purchases, group rates, or to make reservations for any visiting group of 15 or more (required), call 213.744-2019. Parking is available in the guest lot at Figueroa and 39th / Exposition Park Drive at $10 per car, $25 for buses or oversized vehicles. Both the Science Center and IMAX Theater are wheelchair accessible. For further information, please visit our website at www.californiasciencecenter.org.

Media Contact:
Kristina Kurasz | [email protected]
(213) 744-7446
www.californiasciencecenter.org/CSSF

SOURCE California Science Center