Written by Katie Ludwig
Science Fair has been a tradition in the Algona schools for over 50 years. The program has grown and evolved tremendously over the years. Megan Rasmussen and Holly Waltz direct the Science Fair in both middle and high school at Algona. Science Fair is a huge opportunity for students, over 170,000 students participate in over 400 affiliated Science Fairs across the globe every year. These Science Fair-affiliated opportunities lead to the possibility of having a spot at the International Science and Engineering Fair, ISEF. ISEF is an opportunity for 1,800 finalists from around the world to compete for millions of dollars in awards.
On Thursday, April 17th, Abby Lampe and Emerson Waltz were presented a flag and recognition during a school assembly to showcase their hard work and dedication. They earned this opportunity at ISEF by outcompeting over 200 high school projects at the State level. Alexa Groff, from the State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa, presented Lampe and Waltz with their ISEF finalist banners that recognize their outstanding achievements.
This May, the 10th through the 16th, Lampe and Waltz will represent Algona at ISEF in Columbus, Ohio, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. For the first time in over 20 years, two students from Algona will be in attendance. During the convention, they will compete against over 1,800 students from over 75 countries and territories. Prizes and scholarships with a value of up to $75,000 will be awarded, along with two $50,000 college scholarships.
Abby Lampe has put in a lot of time and effort into her project. She states, “Take a guess how many crash outs I had over this project.” Lampe’s project is titled “Investigating Piperine as a Non-Synthetic Efflux Pump Inhibitor to Restore Antibiotic Sensitivity in Staphylococcus Aureus.”
Emerson Waltz says, “I can’t wait to meet new people from different countries and learn about their research.” Waltz’s project is titled “Optimizing Catalysts for the Hydrogenolysis of Polyethylene.” This will be Emerson's second time attending ISEF. Her freshman year she attended as an observer.
The opportunity to attend ISEF is an amazing achievement for both of these students. Best of luck and safe travels to Lampe and Waltz from all of Algona High School students, staff, and the community!