By Laura Rodell
The annual NYCSEF is comprised of the New York Academy of Sciences' Expo and the Polytechnic University Semi-Finals Competition.
“We've had a great increase in participation over the last five years,” said Dina Shapiro, a coordinator at the Academy. “The number of students who enter the competition has more than doubled and the 800 students this year marks the largest turnout yet.”
The fair is sponsored by the Department of Education, the Academy and Polytechnic University.
At he ceremony, 485 high school students were recognized for outstanding science projects. Representing Queens were 10 students from Bayside High School, seven from Christ the King High School, five from Forest Hills High School, 20 from Francis Lewis High School, three from Hillcrest High School, four from Long Island City High School, two from Newton High School, two from Robert F. Kennedy Community High School, two from Springfield Gardens High School, four from St. Francis Prep High School, and 17 from Townsend Harris High School.
Shapiro noted that three Queens students went on to represent the city in the final competition, the Intel Science and Engineering Fair, held in Phoenix, Ariz. in May: Anna Pilishvili, of Forest Hills High School; Maria Wojakowski, of Townsend Harris High School and Ying Qiu Qi Lei, of Robert F. Kennedy Community High School.
At the championship, Lei received $1,000 from the American Geological Institute. Wojakowski received $700 from the American Veterinary Medical Association, a $5,000 Intel Foundation Achievement Award and a $500 category award. Pilishvili received a $1,500 award, Shapiro added.
“The most exciting aspect of this competition is that it gives students the opportunity to be creative and independent,” Shapiro said. “It allows them to investigate scientific questions on their own, not just read about them in textbooks.”
The NYCSEF has 13 categories but all entries must be original and follow the scientific method.
