Science symposium marks 20th year

Submitted by Gary Laursen
Phone: (907) 474-6295
03/01/05

High school students from around the state will present their research findings March 5-6, 2005 at the University of Alaska Fairbanks during the Alaska Statewide High School Science Symposium.

"Students have the opportunity to work with some of the best scientists in their field of interest, conduct valid research experiments and present their results in a scientific setting," said program director Gary Laursen, professor and senior research scientist with UAF’s Institute of Arctic Biology. "The experience is as close to participating in a bona fide academic science symposium as one can achieve at this level of competition."

Students complete their research, submit written papers about their projects for technical review and revision, and then make presentations to separate panels of judges in one of six categories. From a group of 14 finalists, five young Alaskans will be selected to represent the state at the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. Laursen serves as a national director and chair of the Regional Directors Council of 47 regional directors. The national symposium is April 28?-May 1 in San Diego, Calif. Alaska’s top three presenters will receive $1,500, $1,000 and $500 scholarships respectively. Two will compete nationally for $2000, $6000 and $16,000 in scholarships. Three additional student finalists will also attend the national meeting and the top seven Alaska participants receive a one-year tuition scholarship to UAF.

Past participants have been published in scientific journals, gone on to work toward advanced science degrees and one has been awarded a Rhodes Scholarship. A former participant and graduating UAF senior, John Rowley of Montana, was just selected as the outstanding undergraduate student in chemistry for the 2004-05 academic year. The ASHSSS program is one of 48 regional affiliates to the National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium.