LAS VEGAS - Hundreds of local elementary, middle and high school scientists showed off their latest discoveries at UNLV earlier this spring as part of the .
More than 200 individual and group projects were presented during the annual event to judges made up of UNLV faculty and industry professionals in health and life sciences, engineering, environmental studies and political science.
The top prizes went to Northwest Career and Technical Academy students Cameron Jones and Alexandra Wheatley, who will represent Southern Nevada at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair May 8-13 in Los Angeles.
Jones put together a developmental and behavioral analysis of a praying mantis species bred both in the wild and in captivity; Wheatley delved into the microbiology of the deep water flow system in Death Valley.
"We are extremely grateful for the generous support we receive from Beal Bank Nevada," said Timothy Porter, dean of the UNLV College of Sciences. "Our society's future in medicine, energy, the environment, and many other areas in technology lies with these young scientists and inventors, and the support this event receives from Beal Bank Nevada keeps these students energized and focused on what we hope will be long and productive careers."
The fair - organized by UNLV's College of Sciences, Clark County School District, and local private and charter schools - is divided into elementary (grades K-5), middle school (grades 6-8), and high school (grades 9-12) divisions. Winners of the high school fair can qualify for the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, which brings together the world's best young scientists to share ideas, showcase cutting-edge science projects, and compete for awards and scholarships.
The recipients of the elementary, middle, and high school awards, and their teachers and parents, will be recognized at the Beal Bank Nevada Southern Nevada Regional Science and Engineering Fair Banquet at May 4 at UNLV.
