Latest News The 75th California Science and Engineering Fair Apr 12, 2026 Read More The 72nd Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair Mar 18, 2026 Read More The 75th International Science and Engineering Fair May 16, 2025 Read More The 71st Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair Mar 12, 2025 Read More

Past Results GSDSEF Directories, Awards, and Awards Ceremony Slides by Year 2026 Results - 72nd Annual GSDSEF 2025 Results - 71st Annual GSDSEF 2024 Results - 70th Annual GSDSEF 2023 Results - 69th Annual GSDSEF 2022 Results - 68th Annual GSDSEF (under construction)

Sponsors Sponsors The GSDSEF wishes to thank the following sponsors: Premier Sponsor $25,000 and up Qualcomm Diamond Sponsors $15,000 - $24,999 PECG (Professional Engineers in California Government) Xzom Platinum Sponsors $10,000 - $14,999 ASML Broadcom Foundation General Atomics Science Education Foundation Lilly Walter J. and Betty C. Zable Foundation Gold Sponsors $5000 - $9,999 Thermo Fisher Scientific Silver Sponsors $2,500 - $4,999 Collins Aerospace Systems DRS Daylight Solutions Future Forward Labs Pfizer Bronze Sponsors $1,000 - $2,499 Taiwanese American Foundation of S.D. The Super Dentists Friends of GSDSEF In-Kind Sponsors San Diego County Office of Education San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Signa Digital Solutions Area Merchants, Businesses, Community Organizations San Diego City Parks and Recreation – Balboa Park Activity Center Community Volunteers

Information Mentoring Program SLB Mentorship Program The GSDSEF SLB will be continuing its annual Mentorship Program designed to pair GSDSEF participants with experienced mentors to help you improve and succeed with your project. You will receive individualized attention with an experienced GSDSEF mentor who will not only assist you with the science/engineering in your project, but guide you through the GSDSEF participation process as well. Meetings will be approximately 30-45 minutes/week (or as needed) and conducted via Zoom. Mentors will guide you on how to: Navigate the online participation process Submit necessary ISEF forms for the Scientific Review Committee (SRC) Process Create an impactful methodology Gather reliable results Analyze complex data Organize information into presentable formats Prepare a cohesive presentation for Judges Prepare your digital and physical presentations and notebooks Extend the impact of your project And much, much more!! In order to best support students, GSDSEF SLB pairs mentees and mentors based on their project categories and interests. NOTE: We highly recommend students have a general understanding of what they want their project to be before signing up. Information on how to sign up for a mentor will be sent to your advisors/teachers in September and October. It will also be available here online.

Information How to Participate Overview of GSDSEF Participation Steps (last updated 7/12/2026) For an exact timeline with deadlines, see the 2026-2027 GSDSEF Schedule . The window to turn in SRC information (Steps 1-8 below) is August 1 - December 7, 2026 . The earlier you get approved through SRC, the earlier you can start… For details, log into your student account (step #3 below) and click on the appropriate pages in the left hand column. A video is available to explain the GSDSEF Student Account and SRC Process What Where Window for Completion 1. Read GSDSEF/ISEF Rules and Ethics Statements GSDSEF, ISEF Rules and the Ethics Statement August 1 - December 7 2. Decide on a Project What makes a good STEM Fair project August 1 - December 7 3. Teacher creates an account (unless previously created) . THEN, Student creates an account (unless previously created), or logs in to their existing account (see the explainer video !) Teacher registration page (or, Teacher login page if they already have an account) Student registration page (or, Student login page if you already have an account) August 1 - December 7 4. Fill in SRC (Scientific Review Committee) information Tab 1 - Project Setup Tab 2 - Project Details August 1 - December 7 5. Determine whether your project needs additional safety (ISEF) Forms Tab 3 - Forms Helper August 1 - December 7 6. Submit Scientific/Safety Review Committee (SRC) online form and any necessary ISEF forms/approvals Tab 4 - SRC Safety Form and any necessary ISEF Forms Upload August 1 - December 7 7. Student, Parent, and Teacher fill in and sign Information and Consent Tab 5 - Consent and Policies August 1 - December 7 8. Submit your Project information for SRC approval. ALL projects must go through SRC Review AND BE APPROVED BEFORE STARTING. You will receive an email indicating SRC Safety Approval, or else items that you must revise and then resubmit before this deadline. August 1 - December 7 9. After completing your project -- undergo Quality Screening of your Digital Presentation. Download the Digital Presentation Template, complete, and upload. Tab 6 - Digital Presentation Upload. You will receive an email indicating Quality Screening Approval, or else items that you must revise and then resubmit before this deadline. January-February 2027 (See Schedule for exact dates) 10. After Quality Screening Approval - Copy & paste information into the Abstract. Tab 7 - Abstract January-February 2027 (See Schedule for exact dates) 11. Payment - Review all previous information. Credit cards or school Purchase Orders only. Tab 8 - Payment January-February 2027 (See Schedule for exact dates) 12. zFairs account set up for you. Upload PDF versions of a) your final Digital Presentation (from step 9 above) and b) your Digital Notebook, for Judge’s Preview. zFairs- Students whose projects have completed all steps above on time will receive an email from zFairs with login information and instructions. February 2027 (See Schedule for exact dates)

2024 Results - 70th Annual GSDSEF 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

SLB SLB Members 2026-2027 Student Leadership Board Board Officers: President - Steven Chen Vice President of Outreach - Medha Aravind Vice President of Activities - Adhiban Arulselvan Secretary - Ritam Sen Treasurer - Jolina Jian 2026-27 SLB Members: NAME SCHOOL GRADE Aarav Ahuja Del Norte High School 11 Aarav Wadhwani Del Norte High School 10 Aaron Cooper Canyon Crest Academy 10 Adhiban Arulselvan Scripps Ranch High School 11 Advita Rajagopalan Del Norte High School 10 Agustya Ganti Eastlake High School 9 Alexander Allport La Jolla High School 11 Amy Zhang Westview High School 10 Anabia Ehsan Scripps Ranch High School 10 Andrew Xu The Bishop's School 9 Andy Feng The Bishop's School 10 Angelynn Ham Olympian High School 9 Anika Marathe Del Norte High School 11 Arjun Karthik Del Norte High School 9 Ashwin Mantravadi Del Norte High School 11 Audrey Guo Torrey Pines High School 11 Benjamin Luo Canyon Crest Academy 12 Charles Brum Cathedral Catholic High School 10 Charlotte Capaldi Canyon Crest Academy 11 Chloe Li Canyon Crest Academy 11 Chris Zheng The Bishop's School 12 Daniel Guo The Bishop's School 12 Derek Kang Del Norte High School 12 Emma Liu The Bishop's School 12 Ethan Hu The Bishop's School 10 Ethan Yu Del Norte High School 12 Guhan Senthil Canyon Crest Academy 11 Harper Tilley La Jolla Country Day School 11 Harshini Bharadwaj Del Norte High School 10 Humayra Paband To Be Determined 10 Ihan Sung Eastlake High School 12 James Cao La Jolla High School 11 Janeiro Perry Health Science High and Middle College 12 Janet Yang Canyon Crest Academy 12 Jeyanth Narayan Parthasarathy Canyon Crest Academy 11 Joie Green La Jolla High School 9 Jolina Jian Canyon Crest Academy 11 Jonah Luo Del Norte High School 12 Jonathan Wang Del Norte High School 12 Joshua Wang Del Norte High School 10 Kaden Wu Canyon Crest Academy 11 Kathleen Wang Canyon Crest Academy 11 Kayley Xu The Bishop's School 12 Khushi Brahmbhatt Del Norte High School 9 Kiruthic Selvakumar Del Norte High School 12 Kristen Yu The Bishop's School 12 Kyra Malik Canyon Crest Academy 11 Leo Meng Westview High School 12 Leviel Sachs La Jolla High School 9 Lillian Xu Francis Parker School 12 Madison Chen The Bishop's School 12 Maggie Hao The Bishop’s School 11 Matthew Yang The Cambridge School 10 Maya Bantval Canyon Crest Academy 10 Medha Aravind Del Norte High School 12 Medha Ravi Canyon Crest Academy 11 Menahem Nassi Rancho Bernardo High School 9 Mihir Bapat Del Norte High School 12 Navvu Gara Del Norte High School 11 Nicole Zagursky The Bishop’s School 9 Nikhil Srinivasan Canyon Crest Academy 11 Nisa Thomas Del Norte High School 11 Omar Abdulaziz Scripps Ranch High School 11 Raunav Mendiratta Westview High School 11 Risha Guha Del Norte High School 12 Rishabh Bhatia Canyon Crest Academy 9 Ritam Sen Francis Parker School 11 Ruchika Kench Del Norte High School 11 Ryan Zoch Rancho Bernardo High School 10 Saif Khsroo Patrick Henry High School 9 Samaira Agrawal Canyon Crest Academy 9 Savithr Mantravadi Del Norte High School 9 Sharvi Mahajan Westview High School 9 Shriya Paladugu Del Norte High School 12 Siri Tipirneni Canyon Crest Academy 11 Smaran Mukkavilli Canyon Crest Academy 10 Sophia Manuel Eastlake High School 9 Sophie Khan Westview High School 10 Steven Chen Canyon Crest Academy 11 Sumedha Mishra Rancho Bernardo High School 11 Swar Sinha Westview High School 10 Tanvi Pyla Canyon Crest Academy 9 Virginia Zhu Del Norte High School 11 Yash Parikh Del Norte High School 12 For questions or information on our workshops, project advice/peer mentoring, and other Student Leadership Activities, please CONTACT US at: gsdsefslb@gmail.com For all other questions and information, please use the Contact Us button at the bottom of the webpage. SLB Advisor and Supervisor: Mr. Steve Rodecker, Fair Executive Director Emeritus, steve.rodecker@gsdsef.org

Cellular & Molecular Biology This is an interdisciplinary field that studies the structure, function, intracellular pathways, and formation of cells. Studies involve understanding life and cellular processes specifically at the molecular level. Subcategories: Cell Physiology Cellular Immunology Genetics Molecular Biology Neurobiology Other/Multiple Cell Physiology: The study of the cell cycle, cell function, and interactions between cells or between cells and their environment. In general, projects could address physiology of membrane transport, neuron transmission, muscle contraction, the digestion of food, circulation of blood, contraction of muscles, or movement and production of nutrients in plant cells. In general, projects could address physiology of membrane transport, neuron transmission, muscle contraction, the digestion of food, circulation of blood, contraction of muscles, or movement and production of nutrients in plant cells. Cellular Immunology: The study of the structure and function of the immune system at the cellular level. This includes investigations of innate and acquired (adaptive) immunity, the cellular communication pathways involved in immunity, cellular recognition and interactions between antigens and antibodies. Genetics: The study of molecular genetics focusing on the structure and function of genes at a molecular level, genes, genetic variation, and heredity in living cells. These projects explore the consequences of genome variation on human cell biology, and thus gene function in health and disease. Furthermore, projects may study the impact of naturally-occurring and engineered genome mutations in human iPS cells, their differentiated derivatives, and other cell types. Molecular Biology: The study of biology at the molecular level. Chiefly concerns itself with understanding the interactions between the various systems of a cell, including the interrelationships of DNA, RNA and protein synthesis and learning how these interactions are regulated, such as during transcription and translation, the significance of introns and exons or coding issues. Neurobiology: The study of the structure and function of the nervous system at the cellular or molecular level. This area focuses on the study of cells of the nervous system and the organization of these cells into functional circuits that process information and mediate behavior. Some neurobiology focuses on the molecular structures of the brain and nervous system. Larger complete systems, like the function and structure of the cerebral cortex, may be studied. Projects can look at biological factors that impact learning or mood, or how early genetic material develops into various areas of the brain. Other/Multiple: Studies in Cellular and Molecular Biology that do not fit in the above subcategories or which may involve multiple subcategories. Next Project Category Previous Project Category

The 75th International Science and Engineering Fair The 75th Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) was held during the week of May 10-16, 2025, in Columbus, OH. Ten students from the GSDSEF participated, winning several awards. Click here for the ISEF website with results, press release, and more.

The 71st Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair The 71st Greater San Diego Science And Engineering Fair was held on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at the Balboa Park Activity Center, 2145 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA. Click here for the Fair Directory, Category and Special Awards listings, and Awards Ceremony program and slides.

Information Student Resources RESOURCES FOR A SUCCESSFUL SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, COMPUTER SCIENCE, OR MATHEMATICS PROJECT The following resources will also provide you with valuable information to help you decide which type of project you would like to do and how to have a successful project. Section A: Deciding on what Type of Project: Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or Computer Science Section B: Getting Project Ideas/Designing a Unique Project Section C: Deciding Which Forms are Needed Before Starting a Project Section D: Resources on How to Design and Conduct a Science or Engineering Project Section E: Resources for Background Research/Articles Section F: Publishing Your Project in Scientific Journals Section A: Deciding on what type of Project: Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or Computer Science Look at the Student Guides to differentiate between Science Research and Non-Inquiry based Research. Some areas of research are based on the scientific method, but since engineers, inventors, and computer programmers have different objectives than those of other scientists, they follow a different process. What makes a Good STEM Research Project .pdf Download PDF • 68KB Comparing_the_scientific_method_to_the_engineering_design_method .pdf Download PDF • 680KB Engineering_project_guidelines .pdf Download PDF • 210KB Computer_science_project_guidelines .pdf Download PDF • 328KB Math_project_guidelines .pdf Download PDF • 213KB VIDEO LINK: Comparing Science and Engineering Projects - GSDSEF video series Section B: Getting Project Ideas If you aren’t sure what kind of project you would like to work on, there are several sites that can help with ideas…HOWEVER… YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE THE PROJECT UNIQUE AND YOUR OWN! Whatever you come up with, “Google” it to make sure it is not a “been there-done that” project. Remember, even one change you make to an existing procedure/protocol makes it your own! Links to other successful project ideas...Again, these projects are NOT to be repeated or copied!!! They are to give you some ideas... General Science or Engineering: Science Buddies can help. Answer a short questionnaire about your interests and hobbies and it will use your responses to recommend ideas you will enjoy: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas Environmental Inquiry Project Ideas: https://gradcoach.com/research-topics-environmental-sciences/ Geology Project Ideas: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/earthquake-hazards/science-fair-project-ideas Math Project Ideas: https://cms.math.ca/Education/mpsf/ You can also check out the Society for Science Database to see award-winning projects at the International Science and Engineering Fair to get ideas for a project. https://abstracts.societyforscience.org/ The California State Science Fairs has abstracts from winning projects from all over the state of California. - Pick a year and then click on "Projects organized by category". Browse the categories & open what interests you. Look through the project titles that are "hot linked". Read the abstract. It may spark an idea for a new investigation that is uniquely your own. Whatever idea you come up with for your project, be sure to Google it to be sure it is unique. https://csef.usc.edu/History/ If you are interested in electrical projects, this site has background information, activities, and links to help you think of your own project: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/science-projects/electricity-electronics Consider these questions as you come up with a project idea: Is my project unique in at least one aspect, or has it been done before exactly? Is my project an experiment/investigation or is it a demonstration of principle? Is the answer to my question already known? Will my investigation add something new to what is known about the topic? How much time will it take to conduct my research? Will I be able to meet all of the deadlines? Will it look like I did it in one day? Are my results measurable (using the metric system) or is it only based on observation? projects_to_avoid .pdf Download PDF • 60KB VIDEO LINK: Projects to Avoid - GSDSEF video series Strategies for an Original Science Fair Project from Scientific American Section C: Deciding on What Forms Are Required You’ve decided on a project but you’re not sure if Additional ISEF Forms need to be completed before beginning. All projects requiring Additional ISEF Forms must be reviewed and approved by the GSDSEF Scientific Review Committee (SRC) BEFORE STARTING with experimentation. Please find all the necessary ISEF forms on your student account . Your teacher/advisor can help you with the SRC pre-approval and make sure you have any necessary forms completed. If you have questions or are unsure concerning a project's acceptability, please have your teacher/advisor contact the Scientific Review Committee Rose Armour at rose.armour@gsdsef.org . Note: due to geographic regions and state/local rules, GSDSEF reserves the right to prohibit projects that use dangerous items that may be considered acceptable in ISEF. Section D: Resources on Conducting a Successful Science or Engineering Project Do you need help with the scientific method or following the Engineering principles to design and work on your project? The following resources will help you with the information on working through your project. UPDATED 2020 : Use the GSDSEF Sample Student Notebook as a template to produce a quality science fair notebook. The sample notebook contains a description, directions, and example for each section. It also includes a checklist and timeline to ensure each section is completed in a timely manner. Sample Student Notebook .pdf Download PDF • 559KB gsef-student-guide-how-to-do-a-science-fair-project .pdf Download PDF • 1.30MB Using the Scientific Method - Science Buddies Using the Engineering Method - Science Buddies How to do a Science Fair Project video series from JPL/NASA Keeping a Logbook (Janice VanCleave) How to do an Engineering Project - GSDSEF video series Creating charts in excel .pdf Download PDF • 641KB Creating_bar_graphs .pdf Download PDF • 357KB Creating_line_bar_graphs .pdf Download PDF • 309KB Graphing Tutorial website How to Write an Abstract: How-to-write-an-abstract .pdf Download PDF • 11KB How to Write an Intel ISEF Abstract Backboard Display Info and Examples: GSDSEF DISPLAY REQUIREMENTS .pdf Download PDF • 182KB Science Fair Display Sample .pdf Download PDF • 275KB Engineering Display Sample .pdf Download PDF • 271KB What are Judges Looking for in the Projects: Judging_standards .pdf Download PDF • 93KB Helpful_hints_to_prepare_for_judging .pdf Download PDF • 97KB See also Guidelines for Engineering, Computer Science, and Mathematics Projects in Section A for specific criteria. How to Answer the 5 Most Common Questions Science Fair Judges Ask (Scientific American blog) Section E: Resources for Background Research/Articles Do you need information on specific topics for your project. The sites below has a library of articles that can be used for background research or just to learn more about science, math, and/or technology: (Don't forget to cite your sources in your project!) Science Resources Math Resources Computer Science Resources Science News for Students Science Daily – Your source for latest research Resources from NASA US Geological Survey - Research US Geological Survey - Earthquakes for Kids Science Now Info Please Neuroscience for Kids Free STEM Activities and Resources for Kids Section F: Publishing Your Project in Scientific Journals PUBLISH YOUR RESEARCH: The National High School Journal of Science Journal of Emerging Investigators Young Scientists Journal Catalyst Science Magazine

Information Judges Info The Fair has three sets of judges: Category Awards Judges These judges decide the Fair's own placements (first through third) in each of the categories of the Junior and Senior Divisions . Category Judging will take place during the morning of Judging Day in March (see the Schedule page). Grand Awards Judges These judges decide on the Fair's top awards in Life and Physical Sciences. Grand Awards Judging will take place during the afternoon of Judging Day in March (see the Schedule page). Special Awards (Registered Professional Societies) These judges choose among the participants based on specific criteria, as described on this page . Special Awards Judging will take place during assigned periods per organization of Judging Day in March (see the Schedule page). Judging Descriptions Category Awards Judging The Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair is an exciting and important San Diego community event that relies entirely on the generosity of our community's volunteers. The Fair will usually have over 400 science projects on display and the over 450 6th-12th graders who produced them. Being a judge is a lot more fun than you might think, mostly requiring just listening to enthusiastic young kids tell you what they did. For anyone new to judging, there is a great deal of advice regarding how to judge and what kinds of questions to ask on this page . Category Judging is always done in teams, so each team will have an experienced captain and others who can advise new judges. You don’t need to be a PhD (although we do appreciate having PhD’s on our judging teams). You do need a background in science, math, computers, or engineering (except perhaps for the Product Testing category), and a good knowledge of the scientific method. Grand Awards Judging (formerly Sweepstakes Awards Judging) These are the very best projects in the Fair. Projects recommended for Grand Award consideration are reviewed by teams of our most experienced judges during the afternoon judging session (5 or more years of experience are required). Four Grand Award and four Runners-up are selected in both Junior (6th-8th grade) and Senior (9th-12th grade) Divisions. Special Awards Judging Numerous professional societies and other organizations present Special Awards at the GSDSEF. Each provides its own judges and sets its own criteria for awards. Details are described on this page . Click here to learn more about Special Awards Judging