#United States #San Diego #SanDiegoScienceFair #STEMEducation #YoungInnovators

Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair Highlights

On March 18, 2026, the 72nd Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair (GSDSEF) brought together the brightest young minds in science and engineering. Held at the Balboa Park Activity Center, this year's event showcased astonishing projects from talented middle and high school students. During the awards ceremony on March 19, several students were honored with more than $40,000 in prizes, recognizing their remarkable contributions to STEM fields.

Keynote Address by Qualcomm's VP

The keynote address at the awards ceremony was delivered by Ms. Áine Shivnan, Vice President at Qualcomm. Her inspiring words focused on the importance of innovation and creativity in STEM, highlighting how young minds can shape the future of technology and science.

Highlighting Outstanding Projects

This year’s fair was notable not only for its exciting projects but also for the opportunities it presented to students. Winning projects had the chance to advance to the California Science and Engineering Fair, and eight Grand Award-winning participants qualified for the revered International Science and Engineering Fair. Here are some of the standout projects:

• - Jonah Figueroa, 7th Grade, The Rhoades School: Quantifying Effects of Commercial Fertilizers on Cyanobacteria Growth
• - Uma Kattamuri, 7th Grade, Oak Valley Middle School: Elevated CO2 During Kalanchoe pinnata Growth Reveals Enhanced Antiproliferative and Synergistic Therapies
• - Paul Schnabl, 8th Grade, The Bishop's School: ARGOS Machine Learning Irrigation Reduced Water Usage and Improved Growth
• - Aishah Siddiqui, 7th Grade, Bright Horizon Academy: Joynt Quest - A Therapeutic Glove Integrated with a Digital Game-Based Rehabilitation System For Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Notable runner-up projects included investigations into the environmental impacts on local ecosystems and innovative medical technologies aimed at improving rehabilitation methods.

Student Visitation Day

On March 20, the fair opened its doors to local students, providing them with the chance to explore the innovative displays and learn more about the research their peers had conducted. This student visitation day served not only as an educational opportunity but also as an inspiration for future projects and participation in science fairs.

Impact and Legacy of the GSDSEF

Since its inception in 1955, the GSDSEF has profoundly impacted the scientific journey of thousands of students in the San Diego and Imperial County regions. It challenges them to transcend traditional classroom learning and engage in independent, meaningful research. Participants are encouraged to pose intriguing questions, develop innovative solutions, and skillfully present their findings to a panel of judges comprised of professionals within the scientific community.

This year's fair featured approximately 800 of the region’s top middle and high school students, alongside over 400 judges, with representation from more than 60 professional organizations. The $40,000 awarded in prizes underscores the support for youth in science and technology endeavors.

Conclusion

The GSDSEF is not merely a competition, but a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the remarkable capabilities of young scientists. The fair showcases how students are undertaking serious research in fields that could improve our world, from healthcare advancements to ecological protection. As the fair continues to foster a love for science and mathematics among the youth, it strengthens the foundation of the next generation of innovators.

For those interested in exploring more about the GSDSEF and its programs, detailed results and project showcases can be found on their official website at gsdsef.org. Follow them on LinkedIn and Instagram to stay updated on future events and developments.