Congratulations to FCE high school interns Jonathan Prendergast and Christopher Sanchez for receiving
Superior at the 55th Annual South Florida Regional Science and Engineering Fair . Both have advanced to the 55th Annual State Science and Engineering Fair of Florida in April. Thanks and congratulations also go to their two OUTSTANDING mentors Ligia Collado and Evelyn Gaiser who worked so hard in helping us with their preparation.
Jonathan presented the results of his research project entitled "Interpreting the nutrient limitations, salinity, and seasonal variations of Florida Bay in order to analyze shifts in species and biomass productivity" was also awarded:
a $1500 Scholarship to participate in the I-SWEEP: International Sustainable World (Engergy, Engineering & Environment) Project Olympiad in Houston in April
the South Florida Regional US Stockholm Junior Water Prize and the invitation to compete for the State of Florida US Stockholm Junior Water Prize
George N. Avery Award, Florida Native Plant Society and $50 gift certificate
Christopher's poster summarized two years of research with Dr. Evelyn Gaiser. His poster is entitled: "Quantifying hydroperiod fluctuations across an Everglades wetland through microscopic analysis of siliceous microfossils." This project is a continuation from his 2009 project for which he received 2nd Place at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Christopher was also awarded the American Meterological Society Award.
In two weeks, both Chris and Jonathan will compete for the opportunity to travel to San Jose, CA in May to represent FCE at the 2010 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.
(January 28, 2010)
Chris presented his results in a poster entitled "Interpreting the hydrological history of
an Everglades wetland through microscopic characterization of phytoliths" at the regional
Science and Engineering Fair in Miami, FL where he received a Superior and Best Biological Project award.
He was also acknowledged with an award from the Native Plant Society of South Florida.
He was then invited to the state science fair where he was awarded a $40,000 scholarship to the
Florida Institute of Technology. From there, Chris went to the International Science and Engineering Fair in Reno,
NV where he received 2nd Place in Plant Science. In addition to a $1500 cash award, he was offered an
internship with a leading phytolith researcher at the University of Nevada. FCE has received NSF RAHSS
support to keep Chris' work supported through his senior year.
(May 15, 2009)
