COSAM News Articles 2024 05 COSAM’s STEM Outreach Center hosts ASEF 2024

COSAM’s STEM Outreach Center hosts ASEF 2024

Published: 05/07/2024

Auburn University hosted the Alabama Science and Engineering Fair (ASEF) on April 13, bringing more than 220 of the state’s highest performing sixth through 12th-grade science, technology, engineering and mathematic (STEM) students to campus. Students competed for nearly $15,000 in prizes and to win a bid to the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, the world’s most prestigious science and engineering competition. Fair participants showcased and defended research posters in 11 categories from animal and plant sciences to engineering and math in front of 140 faculty and industry judges.

This marked the third year ASEF has been hosted by Auburn University. The university-wide outreach initiative highlights Auburn’s strength in STEM fields. Auburn University’s COSAM STEM Outreach Center coordinates the event that is supported by units across campus, including the provost’s office, College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM), Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, College of Agriculture, Raymond J. Harbert College of Business, Harrison School of Pharmacy and the College of Veterinary Medicine.

ASEF participants — winners from the state’s four regions (Mobile, Central Alabama, North Alabama and Greater East Alabama) — spend months performing research, investigation and analysis on a topic they find interesting. They learn how to answer questions using scientific methods and build skills and self-confidence by presenting their work to mentors, graduate students, faculty or even industry representatives who engage with them and learn about their work – then provide positive, constructive feedback.

Mary Lou Ewald, director of the COSAM STEM Outreach Center and fair director, considers ASEF to be not just a showcase of innovative projects, but also a celebration of young minds embracing the wonders of STEM.

“Through ASEF and similar initiatives, informal STEM education becomes the cornerstone of nurturing tomorrow’s STEM leaders,” said Ewald. “It cultivates a passion for discovery, instills critical thinking skills and ignites creativity that brings forth cutting-edge research. ASEF’s success is not just measured in trophies and accolades, but in dreams inspired and future innovations sparked.”

Karen Dane, fair coordinator, talked about what a unique experience the science fair process is for participants. “ASEF is unlike anything these students have done in the classroom. The breadth of skills they obtain from conducting research to honing their presentation abilities provides a strong foundation for tomorrow’s STEM leaders. Students also gain valuable insight in a variety of disciplines from exposure to their peers’ research.”

Antonio Ward, ASEF participant and a senior at Oakwood Adventist Academy, stated, “Being involved with the science and engineering fair for the first time has allowed me to work with some amazing, very intelligent people. I find it interesting to work with researchers in their field and see how different variables can impact results.”

In addition to the multitude of research projects being presented at ASEF, attendees had the opportunity to participate in interactive exhibits from various laboratories and offices across campus in a STEM Expo.

“This was a true campus experience for these students and their families,” said Jessica Gilpin, assistant director of COSAM STEM Outreach. “They were given an immersive dive into the college atmosphere. It was the best of Auburn – not just a single college. STEM education is everywhere. Any workforce development opportunity a child is going to be a part of such as science and engineering fairs will connect into that.”

Alabama will be represented by 15 senior division finalists at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, May 11-17, in Los Angeles, including three ASEF senior division finalists — Auburn High School’s Will Bao, Tuscaloosa-Northridge High School’s Rhyana Mahatsente and Indian Springs High School’s Max Lizee — where they will compete with 1,800 other participants from more than 50 nations for more than $9 million in prizes.

Click here for a complete list of 2024 ASEF awards.

A junior division participant talks about his project with a judge.

ASEF participants participated in the STEM Expo that showcased interactive exhibits from various STEM disciplines across campus. Here attendees are participating in the math carnival.