Trent University hosted the 44th annual Peterborough Regional Science Fair, showcasing the work of 118 students representing 20 public, catholic and home schools in the surrounding area, on Tuesday, April 9, 2013 in the Environmental Sciences Building on Symons Campus.

Many Trent staff, students and faculty members sit on the organizing committee and offer expertise to budding scientists of all ages. Volunteers also come from the local community.

Fourth-year Honours B.Sc. student, Maria Criselda Cuasay volunteered last year and enjoyed the experience so much that she returned as a judge for the 2013 event. “I enjoy interacting with students of all ages and find it very interesting to hear their ideas,” she said. “The perspective of a grade-two student on viscosity, for example, is very interesting.” An Ottawa native also working on her fluency in French, Criselda plans to finish her joint major in Biology and Forensics and hopes someday to work in a lab for the RCMP.

Throughout the day, approximately 100 judges evaluated the projects and identified those of the highest merit. Awards were presented in the Wenjack Theatre in the late afternoon. Results are posted on the website www.peterboroughsciencefair.org. Three students were chosen to attend the Canada Wide Science Fair in Lethbridge, Alberta, May 11 – 18 to compete for over a million dollars in prizes of cash and scholarships. 

Each year, students from Kindergarten to Grade 12 display their projects in biological, physical, engineering, and computing sciences. The experience is an invaluable stepping stone for many who go on to pursue successful careers.

Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2013.