Science Research: GA Students Win Seven First Place Awards at PJAS State Competition
On Monday, May 16, 2017, seven Germantown Academy Upper School science research students competed at the 82nd annual Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Sciences (PJAS) State Competition at Penn State University. Impressively, all seven students earned first place awards, including freshman Matt Sandifer '20, who received a perfect score. Sandifer and Brynne DiDonato '19 were also recipients of the PJAS Junior High Directors Award in Zoology.
"Please congratulate all of these students as they worked hard to design their projects, collect data, prepare a PowerPoint presentation, and spend three days competing in a science fair," said Director of Science Research Sarah Kesten.
| Grade | Name | Category | Title | Place | Special Awards |
| 9 | Matt Sandifer | Zoology | The Effect of Artificial Sweeteners on Drosophila suzukii | 1st Place | Perfect Score, PJAS Junior High Directors Award in Zoology |
| 9 | Marius Vava | Computer Science | Concussion Tracking with a Smartphone | 1st Place | |
| 9 | Tiffany Zhong | Computer Science | Cloud Computing Performance | 1st Place | |
| 10 | Jason Chee | Chemistry | Super-Hydrophobic Surfaces using Silicon Nanoparticles | 1st Place | |
| 10 | Brynne DiDonato | Zoology | Effect of Vitamin D and Probiotics on Neurons of C. elegans | 1st Place | PJAS Senior High Directors Award in Zoology |
| 11 | Miles Hanamirian | Behavioral Science | Exposure to Nature Enhances Mental Health | 1st Place | |
| 11 | Andrew Luo | Engineering | Formation of a Patterned Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Surface | 1st Place |
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