Dexter students shine at the Maine State Science Fair
DEXTER — On March 29 10 students from Dexter Regional High School competed against nearly 300 high schoolers from across the state at the annual Maine State Science Fair. These students showcased their research, creativity and ability to explore real world problems through their science projects. This year’s event was switched over to Zoom, when weather conditions made travel to the University of New England in Portland too treacherous. Despite that disappointing change in plans, these students persevered and found success.
Dexter’s Sunny Bache, Theo Libby, Josh Medereios, Chloe Murdock, Shelby Sinclair, Juliet Kenniston-Libby, Adam Brown, Madison Thomas, Allaynah Rolfe and Aubrey Ladd were among the participants who submitted independent research projects at this year’s competition.
STEM RESEARCH — Dexter Regional High School STEM Research students, clockwise from left, Madison Thomas, Juliet Kesiston-Libby, Chloe Murdock, Sunny Bache, Theo Libby, Joshua Mederios, Shelby Sinclair, Aubrey Ladd and Adam Brown. Not pictured, Allaynah Rolfe.
Libby won third place in the Environmental Sciences – Climate Change category for their project on changes in bird distribution in Maine. Adam Brown was awarded second place in the Behavioral and Social Sciences – Neuroscience category for his study on preference for grass or grain finished beef.
Chloe Murdock earned a scholarship from University of New England, Sunny Bache earned two scholarships, one from Husson University and the other from the University of Southern Maine. Josh Medereios was selected for three scholarships, one from UMaine-Augusta, one from UMaine-Fort Kent and one from UMaine-Farmington. The total of all scholarships earned was approximately $86,000!
We are incredibly proud of all these students for their hard work and commitment to scientific inquiry and we are excited to see where their future research takes them. If you would like to see their projects we will be hosting a local STEM Symposium on June 6 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.
WOMEN IN STEM — Dexter Regional High School women in STEM, from left, Theo Libby, Chloe Murdock, Shelby Sinclair, Sunny Bache, Juliet Keniston-Libby, Madison Thomas and Aubrey Ladd. Not pictured, Allaynah Rolfe.
The Maine State Science Fair, organized by Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance and The Jackson Laboratory, provides students with an opportunity to present their research to a panel of judges, including scientists, educators and STEM industry professionals.
For more information about the Maine State Science Fair and a full list of winners, visit www.maine-state-science-fair.com.
PRACTICE — Dexter STEM Research students do practice presentations for peers from Mr. Wilks’ community connections class two days before the big event at the Maine State Science Fair.