Comprised of over 1,700 students from around the world, the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) took place in Los Angeles this year. This prestigious fair includes over 1,700 international students, all competing for coveted first through fourth place spots. Juniors Emma Colarte Delgado and Calvin Mathew represented Broward county at the fair and spent a week competing, touring LA and even enjoying a night out at Universal.
The week-long competition took place May 12-17, and consisted of three days of presentations and judging. In addition to presenting to judges, special award judges also came around awarding cash prizes for projects. The competition also hosted an “Educational Day” where elementary students had the opportunity to meet and talk to researchers about their projects.
Students began their week by setting up posters and then participating in the pin trading events, where kids from all 50 states and the other participating international countries could trade their respective pins. Students brought their own pins that could reflect anything from their state flower to a county logo or a pin simply stating “ISEF.” The next day, students were given an opportunity to tour L.A. before the opening ceremony at night.
Panels about technology and engineering featured past ISEF alumni who were now successful in varying scientific fields. The last panel featured a live chat with a scientist currently working on the International Space Station (ISS).
Awards were presented Thursday evening as well as Friday morning. Junior Calvin Mathew placed third in the Embedded Systems category for his project which discovered a novel heart monitor. Mathew worked in a Stanford lab to help develop his project over the summer to create the sensor.
Mathew was awarded a cash prize of $1,000 for his third place win. Junior Emma Delgado also received a $1,000 cash award from the State of Florida for her participation.
Popular pins included the koala pin from Australia, as well as the Puerto Rican bracelets. Students were able to display pins on their lanyard following the trade. (Photos/Emma Colarte Delgado)
During the time allotted to explore LA, students had the chance to hike to the Hollywood sign, as well as visit Griffith Observatory. The observatory exhibits countless past and present astronomical discoveries while also providing shows to watch the stars. Here, juniors Calvin Mathew and Emma Delgado look for stars in the sky, and Dr. Juliana Caulkins, Dr. Anita Shaw, Mathew and Delgado celebrate after hiking up to the sign. (Photos/Juliana Caulkins)
Following the award ceremonies, students pose by the I-S-E-F letters. Mathew and Delgado, found next to the letter S, were accompanied by Pinecrest students in the photo. (Photo/Anita Shaw)
