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2025 - 71st Annual GSDSEF Results Table of Contents 2025 GSDSEF Directory Category Awards Special Awards 2025 GSDSEF Competition Directory 2025 - 71st Annual GSDSEF Information and Student Exhibitor Directory (9.6 MB) Category Awards 2025 - Junior and Senior Division Place Awards by Category (92 KB) Special Awards. 2025 - 71st Annual GSDSEF Special Award in Alphabetica Order of Award Provider (132 KB) Next Previous

Past Results Fair Past Results 2025 - 71st Annual GSDSEF Results 2024 - 70th Annual GSDSEF Results 2023 - 69th Annual San Diego Science and Engineering Fair 2022 - 69th Annual San Diego Science and Engineering Fair

SHOW YOUR BRILLIANCE SAN DIEGO'S SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR SINCE 1955 Science | Technology | Engineering | Math | Open to all San Diego and Imperial County Students Grades 6th through 12th Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fairs Since 1955, the GREATER SAN DIEGO SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR (GSDSEF) has provided an inspiring experience in science and engineering for tens of thousands of San Diego and Imperial County students, motivating them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. This regional competition challenges students to go beyond classroom studies to do independent research – to ask compelling questions, to design and implement innovative solutions, and to present and defend results to judges who are professionals in their fields. Learn More STUDENTS How to Participate Student Resources Project Categories Mentoring Program Workshops LOGIN Calendar & Schedule Past Results Latest News TEACHERS How to get your Students Involved Create Account Advisor Responsibilities Teacher Resources LOGIN 71st Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair The 71st Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair was held this year at the Balboa Park Activity Center, on Wednesday, March 12th. Read More 75th International Science and Engineering Fair The world's largest and most prestigious science competition, concluded with the Grand Awards ceremony in host city Columbus, Ohio. Over 30 million high school students from 1,600 affiliated fairs in 70 countries competed to qualify, of which only 1,700 students made it, including 10 from the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair. Read More BECOME A SPONSOR Thank You To Our Sponsors JUDGES Read More PROFESSIONAL SOCIETIES AND AWARDS Read More VOLUNTEERS Read More Important Dates JAN 2026 2 Student Registration Begins MAR 2026 12 Application Payments Required. TEACHERS This is a space to welcome visitors to the site. Grab their attention with copy that clearly states what the site is about, and add an engaging image or video. LOGIN Get Your Students Involved Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Advisor Responsibilities Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. Teacher Resources Add paragraph text. Click “Edit Text” to update the font, size and more. To change and reuse text themes, go to Site Styles. STUDENTS The Science Fair is your gateway to discovering the endless possibilities within the scientific world. LOGIN HOW TO GET STARTED The GSDSEF follows the rules and guidelines set by the International Science and Engineering Fair. The GSDSEF has set additional guidelines to protect the safety of participants in addition to the ISEF Rules and Guidelines. PARTICIPATION PROCESS This is the space to describe the service and explain how customers or clients can benefit from it. It’s an opportunity to add a short description that includes relevant details, like pricing, duration, location and how to book the service. STUDENT RESOURCES This is the space to describe the service and explain how customers or clients can benefit from it. It’s an opportunity to add a short description that includes relevant details, like pricing, duration, location and how to book the service. MENTORING / TUTORING This is the space to describe the service and explain how customers or clients can benefit from it. It’s an opportunity to add a short description that includes relevant details, like pricing, duration, location and how to book the service. STUDENT AND TEACHERS RESOURCES The Greater San Diego Engineering & Science Fair promises an enriching experience for students and teachers alike. We have carefully organized a set of rules to guide participants through the event, providing a clear understanding of project categories and expectations. Get ready to engage with the wonders of science in a meaningful way! Explore ISEF and GSDEF Rules Sample text for Introduction of Rules Read More Categories Sample text for Introduction for Categories Read More Judges Sample text for Introduction for Judges Read More FEATURED PROJECTS Student Project Highlights ALL PROJECTS I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. I’M AN IMAGE TITLE. CASE STUDY Project Spotlight Year completed: 2025 STUDENT Describe the client PROBLEM ISSUE: DESCRIBE

Board of Directors Dr. Earl Williams, BOD President, Naval Information Warfare Systems Command Mr. Sany Zakharia, BOD Treasurer, Qualcomm Ms. Vickie Driver, Zim Biosciences Dr. Donna Kritz-Silverstein, UCSD Mr. Sam Ferguson, Lockheed Martin Board of Directors Dr. Earl Williams, BOD President, Naval Information Warfare Systems Command Mr. Sany Zakharia, BOD Treasurer, Qualcomm Ms. Vickie Driver, Zim Biosciences Dr. Donna Kritz-Silverstein, UCSD Mr. Sam Ferguson, Lockheed Martin Management Committee Steve Rodecker, Fair Executive Director Sany Zakharia, GSDSEF Treasurer/Fundraiser Officers *Board Members Emeritus* Phil Gay Wendy Gay Student Leadership Board Management Committee Member Arnav Dagar, SLB President Board of Directors Meeting Dates TBD Liaisons Mrs. Shirley Miranda, San Diego City Schools, Liaison to the California Science and Engineering Fair Mr. John Spiegel, San Diego County Office of Education Liaison The Management Committee is a group of volunteers who give their time and expertise to coordinate and produce the Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair.

2024 - 70th Annual GSDSEF Results Table of Contents 2024 GSDSEF Directory and Awards Ceremony Slides Grand Awards Category and Special Awards Post-GSDSEF Competitions International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) California Science and Engineering Fair (CSEF) Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovation Challenge (TFSJIC) 2024 GSDSEF Competition Directory and GSDSEF Awards Ceremony Slides 2024 - 70th Annual GSDSEF Information and Student Exhibitor Directory (9.6 MB) Download 2024 Awards Ceremony Intro and Guest Speakers Presentation (5.4 MB) Download 2024 70th Annual GSDSEF Grand Awards Presentation (243.9 MB) Download 2024 70th Annual Third Awards Presentation (2.6 MB) Download 2024 70th Annual Second Awards Presentation (3.1 MB) Download 2024 70th Annual First Awards Presentation (5.3 MB) Download 2024 70th Annual GSDSEF Grand Awards Presentation (980 KB) Download 2024 Professional Society Awards Presentation Slides (10.1 MB) Return to Table of Contents GSDSEF Grand Awards SENIOR DIVISION JUNIOR DIVISION Grand Award Winners: Life Sciences Leanne Fan , Gr. 10, Westview High School, Advisor: D. MacMartin - ISEF FINALIST Biomedical/Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering: Photobiomodulation on in-vivo and in-vitro Wound Models Under Simulated Microgravity for Future Space Travel Nithika Vivek , Gr. 10, Del Norte High School, Advisor: K. Ramesh - ISEF FINALIST Computational Biology and Bioinformatics: Deep Learning Multi-Modal Melanoma Detection Grand Award Winners: Physical Sciences Angelina Kim , Gr. 11, The Bishop's School, Advisor: A. Pelletier - ISEF FINALIST Engineering: Electrical, Mechanical, and Robotics: An Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) System for Ocean Hazard Recognition and Rescue: Scout and Rescue UAV Prototypes, Findings, and Next Steps Arnav Dagar , Gr. 10, Canyon Crest Academy, Advisor: K. Hare - ISEF FINALIST Computer Science and Systems Software: ARFSNet - Deep Learning for Amblyopia Risk Factor Screening Grand Award Runners- Up: Life Sciences Zinia Khattar , Gr. 11, Del Norte High School, Advisor: A. Khosla - ISEF FINALIST Biomedical/Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering: Integrated Stress Response Activation Discovered to Be Predominant Response to Mitochondrial Dysfunction: A Therapeutic Target Advancement Sydney Zhang , Gr. 11, Westview High School, Advisor: S. Halandar Biomedical/Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering: Design and Usability Study of a Point of Care mHealth App for Early Dry Eye Screening and Detection Grand Award Runners-Up: Physical Sciences Sarah Gao, Gr. 11, Canyon Crest Academy, Advisor: E. Gerstin - ISEF FINALIST Earth and Environmental Science: From Trash to Treasure: FIghting Desertification with Biodegradable Soil Amending Hydrogels Sythesized from Food Waste Alex Battikha , Gr. 11, Westview High School, Advisor: J. Silberman Engineering: Electrical, Mechanical, and Robotics: Using Artificial Intelligence and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for Aid on Environmental Remediation * ISEF Finalists competed in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Los Angeles in May, 2024. See below for award winners! The Taiwan Award: Alex Battikha , Gr. 11, Westview High School, Advisor: J. Silberman Engineering: Electrical, Mechanical, and Robotics: Using Artificial Intelligence and Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for Aid on Environmental Remediation Grand Award Winners: Life Sciences Yaalini Kathiravan and Arunchalam Vinayagam , Gr. 7 and Gr. 8, Pacific Trails Middle School, Advisor: M. Mareth Computational Biology and Bioinformatics: Early Detection of Scalp and Facial Diseases Using Selfies and Artificial Intelligence Steven Chen , Pacific Trails Middle School, Gr. 8, Advisor: M. Mareth Earth and Environmental Science: Synthesizing Living Materials for Coral Reef Regeneration Grand Award Winners: Physical Sciences Declan Henckels and Guham Senthil , Gr. 8 and Gr. 8, Pacific Trails Middle School, Advisor: M. Mareth Engineering: Electrical, Mechanical, and Robotics: Smart Walker Oliver Cottrell , Gr. 6, La Jolla Country Day School, Advisor: N. Parker Engineering: Electrical, Mechanical, and Robotics: Automatic Hockey Puck Passer Grand Award Runners-Up: Life Sciences Bella Schere , Gr. 8, The Children's School, Advisor: D. Quincannon, Behavioral and Social Sciences: Does the Use of Motivational Interviewing Affect Student Effort? Omar Abdulaziz and Anabia Ehsan , Gr. 8 and Gr. 7, Thurgood Marshall MIddle School, Advisor: A. Abdurrab Biomedical/Health Sciences and Biomedical Engineering: Early Detection of Bradykinesia and Tremors in Parkinson's Disease Using a Wearable Inertial-Measurement Unit Grand Award Runners-Up: Physical Sciences Samuel Sternson, Gr. 8, The Rhoades School, Advisor: R. Hunker Physics and Astronomy: Passive Cooling with Infrared Reflective Crystals Yusra Salem , Gr. 6, Bright Horizon Academy, Advisor: N. Naserelddin Engineering: Electrical, Mechanical, and Robotics: A Vibra Return to Table of Contents GSDSEF Category and Special Awards 2024 Student Exhibitor Directory of Place Awards (548 KB) 2024 Student Exhibitor Project Abstracts with Awards: SENIOR DIVISION JUNIOR DIVISION ANIMAL SCIENCES (ANIM) (Project ID #101) 2024 SR ANIM Project Abstracts with Awards ( 223 KB) ANIMAL SCIENCES (ANIM) (Project ID # 501 - 507) 2024 JR ANIM Project Abstracts with Awards (286 KB) BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES (BEHA) (Project ID #111 - 117) 2024 SR BEHA Project Abstracts with Awards ( 291 KB) BEHAVIORAL AND SOCIAL SCIENCES (BEHA) (Project ID #511 - 525) 2024 JR BEHA Project Abstracts with Awards (386 KB) BIOCHEMISTRY (BCHM) (Project ID #131 - 133) 2024 SR BCHM Project Abstracts with Awards (258 KB) BIOCHEMISTRY (BCHM) (Project ID #531 - 538) 2024 JR BCHM Project Abstracts with Awards (273 KB) BIOMEDICAL/HEALTH SCIENCES AND BIOENGINEERING (BMDE) (Project ID #141 - 159) 2024 SR BMDE Project Abstracts with Awards ( 469 KB) BIOMEDICAL/HEALTH SCIENCES AND BIOENGINEERING (BMDE) (Project ID #551 - 559) 2024 JR BMDE Project Abstracts with Awards (336 KB) CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CELL) (Project ID #171 - 177) 2024 SR CELL Project Abstracts with Awards ( 293 KB) CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY (CELL) (There are no Junior Division CELL projects this year) CHEMISTRY (CHEM) (Project ID #191) 2024 SR CHEM Project Abstracts with Awards ( 233 KB) CHEMISTRY (CHEM) (Project ID #581 - 592) 2024 JR CHEM Project Abstracts with Awards (317 KB) COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY AND BIOINFORMATICS (CBIO) (Project ID #201 - 222) 2024 SR CBIO Project Abstracts with Awards (400 KB) COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY AND BIOINFORMATICS (CBIO) (Project ID #601 - 602) 2024 Abstracts .06 JR CBIO.pdf (263 KB) COMPUTER SCIENCE AND SYSTEMS SOFTWARE (COMP) (Project ID #231 - 250) 2024 SR COMP Project Abstracts with Awards (408 KB) COMPUTER SCIENCE AND SYSTEMS SOFTWARE (COMP) (Project ID 611 - 617) 2024 JR COMP Project Abstracts with Awards (300 KB) EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES (EAEV) (Project ID #261 - 278) 2024 SR EAEV Project Abstracts with Awards (432 KB) EARTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES (EAEV) (Project ID #631 - 645) 2024 JR EAEV Project Abstracts with Awards (367 KB) ENGINEERING: ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL, AND ROBOTICS (EEMR) (Project ID #291 - 300) 2024 SR EEMR Project Abstracts with Awards (388 KB) ENGINEERING: ELECTRICAL, MECHANICAL, AND ROBOTICS (EEMR) (Project ID #651 - 670) 2024 JR EEMR Project Abstracts with Awards (449 KB) ENGINEERING: ENERGY, MATERIALS, AND TRANSPORT (EEMT) (Project ID #311 - 317) 2024 SR EEMT Project Abstracts with Awards (299 KB) ENGINEERING: ENERGY, MATERIALS, AND TRANSPORT (EEMT) (Project ID #681 - 693) 2024 JR EEMT Project Abstracts with Awards (355 KB) MATHEMATICS (MATH) (Project ID #331) 2024 SR MATH Project Abstracts with Awards (209 KB) MATHEMATICS (MATH) (There are no Junior Division MATH Projects this year) MICROBIOLOGY (MCRO) (Project ID #341 - 343) 2024 SR MCRO Project Abstracts with Awards (249 KB) MICROBIOLOGY (MCRO) (Project ID #711 - 724) 2024 JR MCRO Project Abstracts with Awards (330 KB) PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY (PHYS) (Project ID #351 - 358) 2024 SR PHYS Project Abstracts with Awards (304 KB) PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY (PHYS) (Project ID #731 - 744) 2024 JR PHYS Project Abstracts with Awards (370 KB) PLANT SCIENCES (PLNT) (Project ID #371 - 382) 2024 SR PLNT Project Abstracts with Awards (319 KB) PLANT SCIENCES (PLNT) (Project ID #751 - 762) 2024 JR PLNT Project Abstracts with Awards (319 KB) PRODUCT TESTING (PROD) Junior Division Only (Project ID #771 - 785) 2024 JR PROD Project Abstracts with Awards (320 KB) GSDSEF SENIOR DIVISION: 2024 Senior Division Place Award Results by Last Name (436 KB) 2024 Senior Division Place Award Results by Category (435 KB) 2024 Senior Division Categorical Results by Place Award (405 KB) GSDSEF JUNIOR DIVISION: 2024 Junior Division Place Award Results by Last Name (481 KB) 2024 Junior Division Place Awards by Category (479 KB) 2024 Junior Division Categorical Awards by Place Award (480 KB) AFFILIATED FAIRS: 2024 California Science and Engineering Fair Qualified Students (by Alphabetical Order) (301 KB) 2024 California Science and Engineering Fair Qualified Students by Division (285 KB) 2024 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge Nominees (140 KB) PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY AWARDS: 2024 Professional Societies Awards (Update) (121 KB) Return to Table of Contents Post-GSDSEF Competitions 2024 International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) TRANSLATIONAL MEDICAL SCIENCE GRAND AWARD: Second Award of $2,000 SPECIAL AWARD: NASA: 1st Prize of $3,000 Leanne Fan, Westview High School, Grade 10 TMED035 — Photobiomodulation on In Vivo and In Vitro Wound Models Under Simulated Microgravity for Future Space Travel BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES GRAND AWARD: Second Award of $2,000 Zinia Khattar, Del Norte High School, Grade 11 BMED059 — Integrated Stress Response Activation Discovered to Be the Predominant Response to Mitochondrial Dysfunction: A Therapeutic Target Advancement ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY: STATICS & DYNAMICS GRAND AWARD: Third Award of $1,000 SPECIAL AWARD: IEEE Foundation President's Scholarship 1st Prize of $10,000 Angelina Kim, The Bishop’s School, Grade 11 ETSD037 — An Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) System for Ocean Hazard Recognition and Rescue: Scout and Rescue UAVs ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SPECIAL AWARD: EPA Patrick H. Hurd Sustainability Award Honorable Mention Sarah Gao, Canyon Crest Academy, Grade 11 ENEV039 — From Trash to Treasure: Fighting Desertification with Sustainable Soil Amending Hydrogels Synthesized from Food Waste BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING ISEF FINALIST Arnav Dagar, Canyon Crest Academy, Grade 10 ENBM034 — Deep Learning for Amblyopia Risk Factor Screening TRANSLATIONAL MEDICAL SCIENCE ISEF FINALIST Nithika Vivek, Del Norte High School, Grade 10 TMED061 — Deep Learning Multi Modal Melanoma Detection Return to Table of Contents 2024 California Science and Engineering Fair (CSEF) At the 2024 CSEF, 37 GSDSEF projects (44 students) received an Award: 2024 CSEF Award Results of GSDSEF Junior Division Students (129 KB) 2024 CSEF Award Results of GSDSEF Senior Division Students (124 KB) 2024 CSEF Sponsored Awards Results of GSDSEF Students (108 KB) Junior Division Results 1st Award: 4 projects 2nd Award: 3 projects 3rd Award: 3 projects 4th Award: 1 project Honorable Mentions: 5 projects Senior Division Results 1st Award: 1 project 2nd Award: 4 projects 3rd Award: 4 projects 4th Award: 2 projects Honorable Mention: 10 projects Note: In each category, one project is awarded a 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th Award. Each category may have more than one Honorable Mention. Return to Table of Contents 2024 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovator's Challenge (TFSJIC) Congratulations to Top 30 Finalist: Oliver Cottrell! 6th Grade, La Jolla Country Day School for his project, "Automatic Hockey Puck-Passer Machine" Society for Science and Thermo Fisher Scientific are proud to announce the 30 finalists in the 2024 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge — the nation’s premier STEM research competition for middle school students (Grades 6 - 8). The finalists will travel to Washington, DC from October 25 – 30 to participate in the Finals Week of the competition. Each finalist is judged on both their science research projects as well as their demonstration of collaboration and critical thinking skills during team challenges, emphasizing the importance and value of teamwork in STEM fields. Each finalist receives a $500 cash award and will compete for $100,000 in prizes. Congratulations to Our Top 300 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators! These GSDSEF students were selected as Top 300 from 1,862 entrants, live in 36 states, Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands. Steven Chen, Grade 8, Pacific Trails Middle School Synthesizing Living Materials for Coral Reef Regeneration Oliver Cottrell, Grade 6, La Jolla Country Day School Automatic Hockey Puck Passer Machine Emily Diep, Grade 8, Connect Academy @ Design 39 Campus A Study of a Homemade Smart Bracelet Integrated with an AI-Driven Speech Therapy Game for Children with Speech Disorders Jeyanth Narayan Parthasarathy, Grade 8, Pacific Trails Middle School Reducing Motion SIckness Caused by Regenerative Braking Systems Ritam Sen, Grade 8, Francis Parker School Can Elemental Sulfur Influence the Growth of Different Plants Samuel Sternson, Grade 8, The Rhoades School Passive Cooling with Infrared Reflective Crystals See the full list of the Top 30 finalists and their project descriptions here . See PRESS RELEASE with GSDSEF students selected among the Top 300 here . Return to Table of Contents Next Previous

2022 - 69th Annual San Diego Science and Engineering Fair long description coming soon Next Previous

2023 - 69th Annual San Diego Science and Engineering Fair Awards totaling over 9 million dollars were announced at the 2023 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) on May 18 and 19 in Dallas, Texas. Competing against over 1600 of the world's best young scientists and engineers from 64 countries and nearly all 50 states and territories, 7 projects from the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair (GSDSEF) garnered a total of 11 awards - 5 Grand Awards and 6 Special Awards. Next Previous

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Microbiology The study of micro-organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, prokaryotes, and simple eukaryotes as well as antimicrobial and antibiotic substances. Subcategories: Antimicrobial and Antibiotics Applied Microbiology Bacteriology Environmental Microbiology Microbial Genetics Virology Other/Multiple Antimicrobials and Antibiotics: Studies involving substances that kill or inhibit the growth of a microorganism. Applied Microbiology: The study of microorganisms having potential applications in human, animal or plant health. Bacteriology: The study of bacteria and bacterial diseases and the microorganisms responsible for causing a disease. This field focuses on ideas spanning a wide range of topics, from identification and characterization of bacteria, all the way to the development of effective vacancies to combat various types of bacteria. Environmental Microbiology: Studies involving microbial interactions and processes within the environment. Air microbiology, soil microbiology and water microbiology as well as the study of biofilms would be included in this subcategory. Microbial Genetics: The study of the genetics of microorganisms such as bacteria, archaea and some protozoa and fungi and their chromosomes, plasmids, transposons and phages. Studies can also include gene transfer systems such as transformation, conjugation and transduction. Virology: The study of viruses – submicroscopic, parasitic particles of genetic material contained in a protein coat – and virus-like agents. Research in this subcategory may focus on the development and effectiveness of treatments for viruses, the development and life cycle of a particular virus, or how the immune system recognizes a virus and what stimulates immune responses. Other/Multiple: Studies in Microbiology that do not fit in the above subcategories or which may involve multiple subcategories. Next Project Category Previous Project Category

Information SRC Review and Quality Screening What is SRC Review? During the Scientific Review Committee (SRC) review, qualified scientists, engineers, and teachers review each project to determine if safe scientific and engineering practices have been followed. This process occurs BEFORE you start your project and you must have approval from the SRC BEFORE you start your project. What is Quality Screening? During quality screening, qualified scientists, engineers, and teachers review each project to determine if correct scientific and engineering practices have been followed. Quality Screening approval is required AFTER the project is done. For SRC Review: 1.Students log into their account. 2. Students then click on DASHBOARD in upper left hand column, then click on CREATE PROJECT which is on the right side. 3. Students fill in all details about their project (title, materials, procedure, etc.) in TAB 1 and TAB 2. Teacher and student should review the procedure to check for any needed ISEF forms. Information can be found below and in the FORMS HELPER TAB 3 on student account. 4. Attach any ISEF forms that are needed in TAB 4. 5. DIGITAL Signature Procedure-- TAB 5 a) Student fills in and signs form digitally. b) Parent fills in and signs form digitally. c) Student sends the form to the teacher to be signed digitally. d) The teacher/advisor will receive an email notifying him/her that there are projects to review and sign. Once the teacher/advisor signs digitally, the project will be automatically sent for SRC review. The project will be reviewed by the GSDSEF SRC and the student will receive an email with approval or a request for forms/modifications before approval is given to start. ALL Students--Do not start with your project until you have received SRC approval. Depending on the project, you will get approved, be asked to make modifications, or be asked to provide further forms. If you have questions whether your proposed project is acceptable or to clarify any safety concerns, please contact Rose Armour at rose.armour@gsdsef.org . For Quality Screening: To properly submit projects for screening, students must Go to gsdsef.org and log in to their account. Go to the My Project link on the left side of the screen. Click on to the Tab 6 Digital Presentation Upload On the top of Tab 6 will be the Digital Presentation Template if you have not already downloaded it and used it. When completed and saved as a pdf file , upload your Digital Presentation in Tab 6. After uploading your Digital Presentation, click SUBMIT TO QUALITY SCREENING The project will then be screened. The student will receive an email as to the status of the project. Helpful Tools: 2026 Digital presentation template(2) .pptx Download PPTX • 95KB Digital Presentation Example .pdf Download PDF • 682KB What_screeners_are_looking_for_in_a_gsdsef_project_2 .pdf Download PDF • 70KB Results of Quality Screening: There are three possible outcomes from the screening process. Students and teachers will hear back directly about the results, which typically takes about a week. Approved/Recommended Based on the quality of the science, engineering, or coding, the project merits participation in the GSDSEF. Students will then go to TAB 7 Abstract and follow the directions for uploading the abstract. Not Approved / Not Recommended Based on the factors listed below, the project has been NOT Recommended to participate in the GSDSEF. Students will not be able to apply to this year's GSDSEF. project is demonstration of principle or a report project has too many inadequacies- Please see "What Screeners are Looking for" above. project violates GSDSEF rules Resubmit with Modifications The overall quality of the project is good, but in order to be acceptable, modifications required by the Screener must be carried out and sent back to be re-screened by the deadline. The original screener then decides whether the project will be Approved/Recommended or NOT Recommended. The student will receive an email listing the changes that need to be made. Project is resubmitted. If accepted, you will apply to the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair: Once you are accepted and have uploaded your Abstract (TAB 7), you will then proceed to TAB 8 for the Review and Payment. Fee Payment must be submitted and received by the Fair deadline in order to complete the entire process. The student will receive an email when the whole process is completed and paid. 1) All individual payments must be done with a credit card. 2) School PO's-- If a school or school district is paying for the students to participate in the GSDSEF, the teacher or school official must contact the GSDSEF Fair Director to approve the PO and receive a code for students to complete the payment process. 3) If an individual is unable to pay via electronic methods, please contact Steve Rodecker at steve.rodecker@gsdsef.org within 3 days of receiving notification of being recommended to the GSDSEF for alternative payment method directions. NOTE: If you are a team project, each member submits his/her own separate application and fee payment. Please follow all deadlines! Students who submit their application and fees after the application deadline will not be entered in the Student Exhibitor Directory and Information. The GSDSEF Application fee is $ 50 PER STUDENT.

Teachers Get Your Students Involved How to get your students competing in the GSDSEF: How do I get my students involved? Abbreviated Timeline Advisor Responsibilities Teachers, do you have 6-12 grade students who: • are interested in science, technology, engineering, and/or math? • are curious and like to think outside the box? • enjoy building or creating things? • like challenges and want to come up with solutions to problems? • want to make a difference in the future? If so, participating in the Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair is for your students! The GSDSEF promotes experimentation, creativity, and discovery…. Students benefit by: • incorporating many disciplines including reading, writing, tech, mathematics, art and design. • using logic, data, reason, rationale, and critical thinking to formulate conclusions. • earning awards, scholarships, and trips. • defending their research to judges, increasing their communication skills. • completing a STEM portfolio of their skills in a project. • getting a sense of pride by completing a long term, open-ended project with perseverance In the competitive world of college applications, participation in the GSDSEF is a great plus because it proves that the student can set goals and complete a long-term project that distinguishes him/her from other students. The benefits for your students are well worth your time! How do I get my students involved? There are many different ways to get your students involved with STEM research: Research projects can be done: • as a required part of a class grade • as extra credit beyond the regular class grade • in a research class with separate credit • through clubs • in labs with mentors • at home independently Abbreviated Timeline: For a detailed schedule/calendar go to: Schedule For a detailed Participation Process go to: How to Participate August- September: An early start is crucial…. Students · select projects · make GSDSEF accounts · go through Safety Review (SRC= Scientific Review Committee) September- January: • Students work on projects January-February: Students · complete projects · go through Quality Screening February: Students · Finish Participation Process with Abstracts and Payment · Make zFairs accounts · Upload Digital Presentations and Notebooks to zFairs · Begin work on physical notebooks and display backboard March: Students · Prepare for Judging Day · Set up Projects at the Balboa Park Activity Center (BPAC) · Present Projects on Judging Day · Attend Awards Ceremony · Take down projects Are you interested in becoming an Advisor? Advisor Responsibilities An Advisor can be a teacher or an adult who is knowledgeable in STEM. Advisors typically help students: · select projects · follow timelines to benchmark progress—an early start is crucial · understand the GSDSEF online participation process · make GSDSEF accounts –after YOU have made your account. · work through the Scientific Review Process--- Which ISEF forms do they need? · review their project progress based on the timeline · by offering advice to improve their projects · with the Quality Review process · with the Digital Presentation, Notebook, and zFairs uploads · practice for Judging Day Ready to become an Advisor for GSDSEF Projects? Simply click on Create Account under the teacher picture. From then on, click on LOGIN to see your teacher dashboard with all of your students’ projects listed. We congratulate and welcome all GSDSEF advisors! We appreciate the great job you do!!

Information FAQs FAQs about Professional Society/Special Award Judging at the Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair SPECIAL AWARD JUDGING BASICS ADVANCED JUDGING: INTERACTING WITH STUDENTS THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF JUDGING: CHOOSING WINNERS BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT THE GSDSEF ALL ABOUT SPECIAL AWARDS SPECIAL AWARD JUDGING BASICS: What? Note: What were previously referred to as "Professional Society Awards" are now called "Special Awards." This updated name better reflects the wide variety of organizations that participate in sponsoring these recognitions. “Special Award” is a broad term used to describe any recognition given independently by a participating group, organization, or company at the Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair (GSDSEF). This includes industry organizations, professional societies, special interest groups, nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies. When? ● Wednesday of Fair Week, which is typically the second week of March each year ● See GSDSEF Schedule for exact dates Where? IN PERSON: Balboa Park Activity Center: 2145 Park Boulevard San Diego, CA 92101 ● Website: https://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/centers/bpac ● Map: Google Map Link for BPAC ● NOTE: We advise carpooling whenever possible Virtual: ● zFairs - gsdsef.zfairs.com (registration required) ● No student interviews; select winners based on materials uploaded to zFairs Showcase (Abstract, slide deck, etc.) only ● Winners List due by 4:00pm on Judging Day Parking ● Free parking available in parking lot How do I know which projects to look at? ● Each Organization has its own method to determine which projects to look at, so please check with your point of contact or head judge if you are unsure. ● You may preview all projects online, including Abstract, deck, etc. in the zFairs Student Showcase, 1-2 weeks before Fair Week. ● To identify which projects meet your judging criteria, use the search bar for keywords or categories ● Your Judging Captain may also be sent a spreadsheet of all Abstracts ahead of the event What is “Preview Night”? ● Preview Night is a chance to get an early look at the projects while they are being set up, on the Tuesday of Fair Week—and closes at 7pm. ● Preview Night is an opportunity for your team to get an advance look at the projects, before official judging. While most of the projects will be present, students will continue to arrive during your preview time - a project that is not in place may simply be arriving late, rather than a no-show ● PLEASE NOTE that this is NOT an opportunity for formal judging. Students will be in and out, setting up their projects and will NOT be available for interviews or questions ● To get the most out of your Preview Night experience, we suggest that you pre-select projects based on their titles and the Abstracts (see the above Q&A on “How do I know which projects to look at) and use Preview Night as an opportunity to refine your list prior to the actual judging. You may see projects that are interesting and meet your team’s criteria but are not on the list, or others that you can rule out without an interview ● You do not need to attend as a group or check in to view projects. Although most preview night teams do arrive as groups, we also have individuals who come without their team ● VIRTUAL projects previews are also available online at gsdsef.zfairs.com in the week(s) leading up to the event What should each Judge bring on Judging Day? ● A writing tool that you are comfortable with (a limited number of pencils are available on site) ● A clipboard, if possible, to provide a firm surface for writing (a limited number of clipboards are also available on site) ● Paper (or a judging form from your Organization) to take notes ● Your head judge’s contact information (where/when to meet, cell phone number, etc.) ● A lanyard with the name of your organization will be provided. If you wish, you may bring a business card to insert into your lanyard Is there a dress code? We strongly recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes to ensure good traction on the material used to cover the Balboa Park Activity Center’s wooden floor. The students are asked to wear professional attire, to show that they are taking this seriously, but we do not require this of our judges. If you have an identifying badge, ribbon, pin, or other item from your organization, we encourage you to wear it. Do I need to check in with the GSDSEF on Judging Day? ● Only the Judging Captain for your team needs to check in with the GSDSEF. That person will also need to check out before leaving, to ensure we have all our paperwork for your winner(s) ● The Judging Captain will be given name badges and lanyards, as well as the Judging Form that needs to be turned in before they leave How do I find my team? IMPORTANT: We do not have a good answer to this question! ● Since there are typically about ~400 students and 250-300 judges, it is loud in the Balboa Park Activity Center, and therefore announcements we make using the PA system are not always easy to understand ● Some teams have reported problems with cell phone reception as well ● We strongly suggest that your team make arrangements ahead of time for meeting outside the building ● The happiest teams are often those which meet for lunch and carpool to the GSDSEF How will students and volunteers know I’m allowed into the building on Judging Day? You will be given a lanyard and ID badge , identifying you as a judge. These will be in a packet handed to your Judging Captain, so please be sure you know where to meet your Judging Captain before entering the building. If you arrive late, we do have extra credentials and a list of judge names, so we can check you off. Can you give me some tips on how to judge student projects? Your team will have its own criteria for selecting winning projects. The GSDSEF does have its own standards and judging forms used by the Categorical and Grand Award Judges. Links to all of the material we provide for morning judges (the categorical judges who award placements in the GSDSEF) can be found at the BOTTOM of ou r page about categorical judging under GSDSEF background. In addition to the GSDSEF’s standards, we also have suggestions for interviewing students. Of course, your team is likely to have significant differences from our example. Will there be food available on-site on Judging Day? Meals are not available for purchase at the Balboa Park Activity Center. There are a few snack and drink machines in the foyer, but we strongly suggest you make your own arrangements with your team about lunch. Some teams choose to meet for an early lunch and then carpool to the GSDSEF, while others prefer a later lunch, after judging. You may not bring food or drink into the judging area, except for water bottles with lids. Where can we sit to eat, or while we discuss who our winners are? We will have a Judges’ caucus area set up inside the Balboa Park Activity Center. However, spaces are limited and will be available on a first come, first served basis. There are a very limited number of chairs and tables outside the Balboa Park Activity Center, as well as a low wall surrounding the area. You are welcome to bring your own folding chairs, tarpaulins or blankets to sit on while you discuss your team’s choices. If you do bring your own items to sit on, we suggest you leave them in a safe place until you are ready to use them. ADVANCED JUDGING: INTERACTING WITH STUDENTS What suggestions do you have for interacting with students? ● Please introduce yourself, and let them know which organization you are with ● Please be gentle! Many of our students are very intimidated by presenting their projects to adults, especially the younger ones; they do not have the same detailed level of expertise as most adult scientists (although a few of them are always amazing on their narrow topic) ● We suggest you ask open-ended general questions to begin -- for example “How did you determine if your results were statistically significant” rather than “Where is your Poisson Distribution?” You can always add more detail in follow-up questions Can I tell a student that they have won our award? Please do not tell students they have won! We want the students to attend the Awards Ceremony and be pleasantly surprised Can I take photographs of our winners? All students will have signed a media release permitting GSDSEF to use their images for promotional purposes. With that said, if you would like to take photos, please ask if it is OK with the student first, and try your best to suggest that you are photographing many of the students you interview, not necessarily the winners. Please do not make a special point of photographing anyone, because we don’t want to tip off the winners, and we also don’t want students to believe they won only on the basis of having a photogenic project. Can I give my card (or my organization’s flier) to a student I interview? If you brought enough for everyone, feel free – and please mention that you are giving this to every student. Please, do not give items to only a few of the students you interview, since students often interpret this as indicating whether or not they won, and we don’t want anyone to feel discouraged or be unpleasantly surprised at the awards ceremony if they did not win, nor to skip the ceremony because they “know” they won. Can I Contact a Student About Their Project? We only provide student contact information to your team’s Judging Captain. However, you are welcome to leave a message for the student, and we will ensure that the student receives it. THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF JUDGING: CHOOSING WINNERS How do we let the GSDSEF know who our selected winners are? Your Judging Captain will have a form to return, with information about your winners. Only one form is needed per team. How do we know how to reach the winners? When you turn in your Winner form, your selections will be inputted into the zFairs system and a list of contact information will be generated and printed for you on the spot. We request that you DO NOT reach out to your winners until after the Awards Ceremony. What if the contact information is wrong? Always a possibility, since the students type in the information themselves in most cases. We try to verify their contact information before they leave the GSDSEF. If you can’t reach the student, e-mail sejal.pabari@gsdsef.org and let her know about the problem -- we will try to get you better information. When do I contact our winners? It is our expectation that each Organization will reach out to their winners as soon after the Fair as possible. This initial communication may be a simple “Congratulations” email, or provided detailed information about next steps. It is important to establish this connection, so that students are not left wondering where their prize is. Students are asked to reach out to GSDSEF if they have not heard from their Professional Society. We can avoid much back and forth if you reach out to your winners in a timely manner. How do students get their prizes? The way that students get their prizes varies from one organization to the next. Sometimes, an item is left at the GSDSEF to deliver on the weekend, when students pick up their projects and take them home. Far more often, the organization will contact the winners directly, and either mail their prize or arrange to hand it over at their own event such as part of the program at an organization’s board meeting, or a part of a larger awards ceremony at an annual symposium held locally. BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT THE GSDSEF What is the GSDSEF? GSDSEF is short for Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair, which has been celebrating students since 1955. For more information about the GSDSEF, please see our about page . What Other Judging opportunities are there? ● In addition to the Special Awards Judging, we also have “Categorical Judging” and “Grand Award Judging” ● The Categorical Judges are our morning judges, and they select the First through Fourth place winners in each category. They also make recommendations for California Science Fair selections and for the Grand Awards. For more information about becoming a Categorical judge, please see information under the "Judges" dropdown menu. ● The Grand Award judges are typically our most experienced judges, and they choose the GSDSEF’s top winners, many of whom go to the Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair. This judging happens at the same time as the Special Awards judging Who pays for all this? The GSDSEF is an all-volunteer, registered tax-exempt California non-profit 501(c)3 Corporation, operating as a Public Charity Status. We are totally dependent on donations from industry, business and friends like you to make the science fair possible. EIN #23-7332855. For information on how to donate, please see information under the "Sponsors" dropdown menu. ALL ABOUT SPECIAL AWARDS What is a Special Award? Note: What were previously referred to as "Professional Society Awards" are now called "Special Awards." This updated name better reflects the wide variety of organizations that participate in sponsoring these recognitions. “Special Award” is a broad term used to describe any recognition given independently by a participating group, organization, or company at the Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair (GSDSEF). This includes industry organizations, professional societies, special interest groups, nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies. How does an Organization sign up to participate? Contact Sejal Pabari, the GSDSEF Special Awards Coordinator, at sejal.pabari@gsdsef.org . The GSDSEF will need to know a little bit about your organization, how you plan to determine your winners, and what you plan to give the student winner(s). Can you give me an overview of how Special Award Judging Works? Once your organization has signed up to participate, your organization determines, based on its own criteria, which projects to judge. Many teams use the Project List (including the Abstracts) to determine which projects should be looked at most carefully. Preview Night is held the evening before Judging Day, and gives you a chance before judging to look over projects in a little more detail.You may also preview projects online. Your team judges projects in person or online on Judging Day, and the Judging Captain fills out paperwork to let the GSDSEF know who your winners are. The Judging Captain receives contact information for your winners, and your organization arranges to get the award to the student. More information about each process is below. How do individuals sign up to judge for a Special Award? Individuals sign up through their Organization, not online with the GSDSEF. If you are interested in judging but do not know who to contact, please contact Sejal Pabari, the GSDSEF Special Awards Coordinator, at sejal.pabari@gsdsef.org . She can let you know who to contact, or get you started as a new team. I STILL HAVE A QUESTION! If you still have a question that is not answered above, please contact Sejal Pabari, the GSDSEF Special Awards Coordinator, at sejal.pabari@gsdsef.org .