Young students in science awarded for watershed research

During a weekend of science and celebration, students from across southeastern Ohio participated in this year’s district science fair, held on Saturday, March 24 at Ohio University’s Clippinger Laboratories.

Members of Ohio University's Appalachian Watershed Research Group attended this year’s district science fair and awarded students whose projects addressed local watershed research with an American Electric Power (AEP) Foundation Watershed and Environmental Science Award.

Each of the selected students received a certificate and $100 from the Appalachian Watershed Research Group, on behalf of the AEP Foundation. This year's winners were Sam Cox from Unioto Elementary School, Tony Li from Athens High School, and Carly Lake from Worthington Elementary School.

The Appalachian Watershed Research Group, an interdisciplinary cohort of faculty, staff and students, is coordinated by the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs. The group focuses on watershed restoration in Southeast Ohio and environmental education in the region.

The award was funded by a grant from the AEP Foundation to introduce middle and high school students to the University’s science and watershed research. The Appalachian Watershed Research Group also contributed resources, with faculty providing guidance, equipment, and mentorship to students participating in the district science fair.

“On behalf of the Appalachian Watershed Research Group, we are very happy to support your interest in environmental science and water research,” wrote Jen Bowman, director of environmental programs at the Voinovich School and a lead member on the Appalachian Watershed Research Group, to each of the student winners in a letter of congratulations.

“Your work is important to the health of the region. We look forward to helping you pursue your interest in water and science in the future.”

The Office of the Vice President for Research and Creative Activity, Russ College of Engineering and Technology, College of Arts and Sciences, and the College of Health Sciences and Professions at Ohio University and Quidel Corporation also co-sponsored this event.

For more information, visit the Southeastern Ohio Science Fair’s website (https://www.ohio.edu/sci-fair/).