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Outside the ISEF corner, students can be informed of upcoming events, how to get involved, and the basics of the ISEF program thanks to direct posters in the hall. Throughout the week, students can meet with ISEF, (STEAM), coordinators Danielle Schroeder and Tiffini Stephens to be a part of further ISEF or STEM events. (Avery Eckley)Navigating the ISEF processTo better understand this journey, freshman Niyati Bhaskar interprets her experience. Bhaskar has been involved with ISEF since 6th grade and recalls the preparation process as a new high schooler by describing, “There are five main phases for conducting a research project: Developing ideas, planning, experimenting and inventing, analyzing, and sharing or competing.”
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ISEF is open to any student participation, even homeschooled high schoolers. ISEF bridges skills such as public speaking and communication with research analysis/project execution. (Avery Eckley)What is ISEF?Covering numerous science and engineering content areas, the annual ISEF contest showcased around 1,500 students from across 80 regions. Held at West Linn High School, contestants set up in-depth representations of various concepts, teaching judges and community members about various topics.
Students chose a topic from a wide range of contents. From technological medicine and statistical analysis to engineering research, physics, and astronomy, ninth through twelfth graders were given opportunities to present their ideas. Some were even rewarded for outstanding entrepreneurship.
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Over 300 students participated in this year’s ISEF conventions. Evidently, people can observe the space set up of posters from this overlooking viewpoint. Photo provided by Niyati Bhaskar.ISEF Convention 2024Bhaskar helps break down the ISEF convention process. Round one entails district competitions, while fewer and fewer students are invited to participate at the state level and eventually internationally.
Celebrating the 23rd Annual CREST-Jane Goodall Science Symposium, around 280 students gathered to be interviewed by professional scientists/engineers. Kim and Vu describe their preparation for this by exclaiming, “For judging, we made sure that we understood the aim of our project and could explain it clearly.” Vu and Kim emphasize the component of interviewing tactics and presentation poise in these competitions, which is another aspect of ISEF.
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Freshman, Niyeti Bhaskar poses outside an ISEF convention. Intellectually brilliant, Bhaskar not only excelled in the local science competitions, but is headed to State with her presentation in microbiology. Photo provided by Niyati Bhaskar.Featuring Niyati Bhaskar: Wilsonville microbiology ISEF representative“I believe that by fostering a deeper understanding of these issues and engaging in meaningful conversations, we can work towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly global landscape, using microbiology as a stepping stone along the way,” Bhaskar directly comments.
Rounding out the finale of District ISEF, Niyati Bhaskar landed second place within the Microbiology group, winning recognition through awards and the chance to bring her project to State.
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Homeschool students, including Abigail Orth, participate in science fairs and even have the option to enroll with ISEF competitions. Students arrange an array of topics ranging from mold, halitosis, to microbiome complexities and solar system patterns. (Avery Eckley)Outside involvement and aspirationsMany ISEF participants aspire to accomplish or discover a strategy/solution to benefit humanity or a certain species.
These projects may seem unimaginably complex or advanced, but some ISEF projects will move forward and be used to better society and environments for living. Students even created their projects in tandem with a friend.