9-12 Place Awards
K-8 Place Awards
9-12 Specialty Awards
K-8 Specialty Awards

2021 Overall Awards

PlaceSponsored ByNamesGradeSchoolProject Title
1stPacific Lutheran UnniversitySmriti Somasundaram and Sathvik Nallamalli11 & 12OlympiaA Perovskite Crystal Structure Prediction and Screening System using Complex Machine Learning Methods
2ndThe Puyallup Tribe of IndiansMadeline Christensen12Bellarmine PrepNew Estimates of Nitrogen Fixation on Early Earth
3rdSociety for ScienceHenry Jacobson and Luke Jouflas12Bellarmine PrepStudy Comparison: Avalanche Snow Probes Versus Conventional Snow Pit in Determining Avalanche Danger
4thAbsher ConstructionJordan Janakievski12Bellarmine PrepPhytoplankton detection using machine learning and a mobile application
1st AlternateDr. Nasir Shariff, MDNidhi Krishna Kumar10OlympiaMUSR: Low-Cost Multipurpose Sterilization Robot
2nd AlternateSimons Nation BoutiqueEvan Lou10Charles Wright Hand Gesture Recognition-based Wheelchair Control System

2021 9-12 Place Awards

CategoryPlaceNamesGradeSchoolProject Title
Animal Science1stHayden Kaleiwahea12BellarmineSize Dependent Population Analysis of Primary Puget Sound Sea Star Species Post Sea Star Wasting
Biomedical & Health Sciences1st Zachary Song9Olympia Identifying the Ideal Body Location for COVID-19 Temperature Screening Using an Infrared Thermometer
Cellular & Molecular1stAva Meller11W.F. WestExploration of a link between embryonic alcohol exposure and foxc1a mutations in zebrafish
Cellular & Molecular2ndAbby Kay12W.F. WestGATA3 and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Exploring the Effects of Heat Shock and Treatments on Zebrafish.
Chemistry1stSmriti Somasundaram & Sathvik Nallamalli11&12OlympiaA Perovskite Crystal Structure Prediction and Screening System Using Complex Machine Learning Methods
Earth & Environmental Science1stAlyssa Cua & Caitlyn Lo12BellarmineAn Investigation of the Effects of Marine Protected Areas on Biodiversity in the Puget Sound
Earth & Environmental Science1stMadeline Christensen12BellarmineNew Estimates of Nitrogen Fixation on Early Earth
Earth & Environmental Science2ndAsa Alstead12BellarmineQuantifying Microplastics in the Puyallup River
Earth & Environmental Science2ndSophie Wetzel12BellarmineThe Efficiency of Hydroponics on Tomato Plants
Earth & Environmental Science3rdJacob Hanigan & Charlie Zelazny12BellarmineIs MRSA Present in the Water at the Local Chambers Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant?
Earth & Environmental Science3rdEmily Smith & Maeve Hunt12BellarmineDeveloping a Solar-powered Grow Light System to Grow Tomatoes in Bellarmine's Greenhouse
Earth & Environmental ScienceHonorable MentionBrett Kelley12BellarmineThe Effects of Plastic Straws and Their Alternatives on Water Quality and Aquatic Environments
Environmental Engineering1stHenry Jacobson & Luke Jouflas12BellarmineStudy Comparison: Avalanche Snow Probes Versus Conventional Snow Pit in Determining Avalanche Danger
Robotics & Intelligent Machines1stJordan Janakievski12BellarminePhytoplankton Detection Using Machine Learning and a Mobile Application
Robotics & Intelligent Machines2ndNidhi Krishna Kumar10OlympiaMUSR: Low-Cost Multipurpose Sterilization Robot
Robotics & Intelligent Machines3rdEvan Lou10Charles Wright Hand Gesture Recognition-based Wheelchair Control System
Systems Software1stSpencer Peloquin10CurtisWindows 10 Security Scripts
Systems Software2ndCharles Perez & Kathleen Julca11&12Yelm & Harrison PrepWomen of Color Code
Translational Medical Science1stSara Anel & Sarah Pham12BellarmineTesting the Efficacy of Face Masks Over Time

2021 K-8 Place Awards

PlaceNamesSchoolProject Title
Grade 11stValerieRainierBug Hotel: A Habitat Project
Grade 21st SuhassCentennialHow Does the Color of Light Affect Seed Germination and Plant Growth?
1st HarishStewartMake a Wish and Blow the Candle
2ndPalakCentennialWi-Fi Warriors!
2ndSarinaSeaburyPower Up! : Creating a DIY Battery
3rdHarisChambersErasing Mistakes- A Microscopic View
3rdSmritiCentennialWhat causes the phases of the moon?
Honorable MentionMarilynChief LeschiIs There Iron in My Cereal?
Honorable MentionSiddharthCentennialFloating Eggs
Grade 31stAsherSeaburyDecaying Strawberries with Liquids and in Different Places
2ndShanthoshramHansenCapillary in Action or Do Nothing
3rdLohithMcLaneSolar System
Honorable MentionNidhiMcLaneSimple Robotic Arm
Honorable MentionLexiChief LeschiImprove Initial Prototype of a Paper Airplane and Straw Rocket.​
Grade 41stDhritiORLAStatic Electric Chime
2ndNicholasRainierRe-engineering Productivity: An App for Different Learning Styles
3rdSelinaMary LyonHydroponic Green Onions
Grade 51stAshleyPopeMasks: Safest Option
2ndSanjanaCentennialGreen House Effect
Grade 61stGarrisonMountain ViewA Tale of Two MFC's
2ndZainNarrows ViewAnalyzing the Width and Depth of the "Burning Issue"
3rdMontgomerySeaburyNixing Nautical Nanoplastics
Grade 71stJasleenHarrison PrepPhotosynthesis: Light and Plant
2ndJudahSeaburyHow Much Does Surface Area Affect Water Filtration?
Grade 81stKevinNOVAAn Experimental UAV Utilizing Pivoting Wings for Stability and Efficiency Control
2ndAkshajKallesThe Vac Tracker
3rdSanjay & SrivikaatJeffersonThe Parking Lot^2
Honorable MentionAbbyMountain ViewLittle Screen, Big Problem

2021 9-12 Specialty Awards

NamesSponsorAwardCriteriaSchoolProject Grade
Ava MellerRegeneronRegeneron Biomedical Science AwardLead with science. Demonstrate command of and passion for science. Take on big Ideas in biological and medical categories.W. F. WestDoes Embryonic Ethanol Exposure Cause Mutations in the foxc1a Gene in Zebrafish?11
Alyssa Cua (Team)American Meteorological SocietyExcellence in Atmospheric or Related SciencesOutstanding Achievement for creative scientific endeavor in the areas of atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic sciencesBellarmineAn Investigation on the Effects of Marine Protected Areas on Biodiversity in the Puget Sound12
Caitlyn Lo (Team)American Meteorological SocietyExcellence in Atmospheric or Related SciencesOutstanding Achievement for creative scientific endeavor in the areas of atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic sciencesBellarmineAn Investigation on the Effects of Marine Protected Areas on Biodiversity in the Puget Sound12
Hayden KaleiwaheaAmerican Meteorological SocietyExcellence in Atmospheric or Related SciencesOutstanding Achievement for creative scientific endeavor in the areas of atmospheric and related oceanic and hydrologic sciencesBellarmineSize Dependent Population Analysis of Primary Puget Sound Sea Star Species Post Sea Star Wasting12
Smriti Somasundaram (Team)ASM Materials Education FoundationOutstanding Exhibit in Materials Science Best materials engineering project OlympiaA Perovskite Crystal Structure Prediction and Screening System Using Complex Machine Learning Methods 11
Sathvik Nallamalli (Team)ASM Materials Education FoundationOutstanding Exhibit in Materials Science Best materials engineering project OlympiaA Perovskite Crystal Structure Prediction and Screening System Using Complex Machine Learning Methods 12
Madeline ChristensenAssociation for Women GeoscientistsOutstanding Project In GeosciencesIncrease the public awareness of the geosciences, illustrate the interdisciplinary nature of the geosciences, or promote the sensitivity to the earth as a global system.BellarmineNew Estimates of Nitrogen Fixation on Early Earth12
Madeline ChristensenMu Alpha ThetaMu Alpha Theta AwardChallenging, original, thorough, and creative investigation of a problem involving mathematics BellarmineNew Estimates of Nitrogen Fixation on Early Earth12
Brett KelleyNational Oceanic and Atmospheric AdministrationTaking the Pulse of the PlanetResearch emphasizing NOAA’s mission of Science, Service, and Stewardship. To conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources.BellarmineThe Effects of Plastic Straws and Their Alternatives on Water Quality and Aquatic Environments12
Spencer PeloquinDepartment of NavyOffice of Naval Research AwardFor Quality Science and Engineering ProjectsCurtisWindows 10 Security Scripts10
Nidhi Krishna KumarDepartment of NavyOffice of Naval Research Award For Quality Science and Engineering ProjectsOlympiaMUSR: Low-Cost Multipurpose Sterilization Robot10
Jacob Hanigan (Team)Ricoh Americas CorporationRicoh Sustainable Development Award 2021Project addresses issues of environmental responsibility and sustainable development.BellarmineIs MRSA Present in the Water at the Local Chambers Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant?12
Charlie Zelazny (Team)Ricoh Americas CorporationRicoh Sustainable Development Award 2021Project addresses issues of environmental responsibility and sustainable development.BellarmineIs MRSA Present in the Water at the Local Chambers Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant?12
Ava MellerSociety for In Vitro BiologyAchievement for Ability and Creativity in In Vitro BiologyOutstanding 11th grade student exhibiting in the areas of plant or animal in vitro biology or tissue culture.W. F. WestDoes Embryonic Ethanol Exposure Cause Mutations in the foxc 1a Gene in Zebrafish?11
Asa AlsteadStockholm Junior Water PrizeAward of Excellence for Water Related ResearchTop water-science projects BellarmineQuantifying Microplastics in the Puyallup River12
Jacob Hanigan (Team)Stockholm Junior Water PrizeAward of Excellence for Water Related ResearchTop water-science projects BellarmineIs MRSA Present in the Water at the Local Chambers Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant?12
Charlie Zelazny (Team)Stockholm Junior Water PrizeAward of Excellence for Water Related ResearchTop water-science projects BellarmineIs MRSA Present in the Water at the Local Chambers Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant?12
Alyssa Cua (Team)Stockholm Junior Water PrizeAward of Excellence for Water Related ResearchTop water-science projects BellarmineAn Investigation on the Effects of Marine Protected Areas on Biodiversity in the Puget Sound12
Caitlyn Lo (Team)Stockholm Junior Water PrizeAward of Excellence for Water Related ResearchTop water-science projects BellarmineAn Investigation on the Effects of Marine Protected Areas on Biodiversity in the Puget Sound12
Abby KayUS Metric AssociationBest Use of MetricInvolve quantitative measures and should use units of the SI metric system for those measuresW. F. WestGATA3 and Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Exploring the Effects of Heat Shock and Treatments on Zebrafish. 12
Charles Perez (Team)Yale Science and Engineering Association, Inc.Most Outstanding Exhibit in Computer Science, Engineering, physics, or ChemistryOutstanding 11th grade project exhibiting in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. YelmWomen of Color Code11
Kathleen Julca (Team)Yale Science and Engineering Association, Inc.Yale Science and Engineering AwardOutstanding 11th grade project exhibiting in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Harrison PrepWomen of Color Code12
Madeline ChristensenNASA Earth System Science AwardNASA Earth System Science AwardInsights into Earth's Interconnected Systems.BellarmineNew Estimates of Nitrogen Fixation on Early Earth12
Evan LouU.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)Relevance to solving an important global development challenge.Scientific excellence and using science innovatively to create a potential solution to international development challenges.Charles WrightHand Gesture Recognition-based Wheelchair Control System10
Eileen NguyenPruett Family Safety First AwardMost safety conscious projectsHarrison PrepThe Interaction of Chiral of Glucose Molecule with a Homemade Polarimeter11
Nidhi Krishna KumarPruett Family Safety First AwardMost safety conscious projectsOlympiaMUSR: Low-Cost Multipurpose Sterilization Robot10
Zachary SongPruett Family Safety First AwardMost safety conscious projectsOlympiaIdentifying the Ideal Body Location for COVID-19 Temperature Screening Using an Infrared Thermometer9
Asa AlsteadEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) & South Sound STEM Fair AllianceEPA Letter & SSRSEF Friends of EarthProject addresses earth and environmental topics. Includes projects that could lead to improvements.BellarmineQuantifying Microplastics in the Puyallup River12
Madeline ChristensenEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) & South Sound STEM Fair AllianceEPA Letter & **SSRSEF Friends of EarthProject addresses earth and environmental topics. Includes projects that could lead to improvements.BellarmineNew Estimates of Nitrogen Fixation on Early Earth12
Caitlyn LoEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) & South Sound STEM Fair AllianceEPA Letter & **SSRSEF Friends of EarthProject addresses earth and environmental topics. Includes projects that could lead to improvements.BellarmineAn Investigation on the Effects of Marine Protected Areas on Biodiversity in the Puget Sound12
Alyssa CuaEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) & South Sound STEM Fair AllianceEPA Letter & **SSRSEF Friends of EarthProject addresses earth and environmental topics. Includes projects that could lead to improvements.BellarmineAn Investigation on the Effects of Marine Protected Areas on Biodiversity in the Puget Sound12
Jacob HaniganEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) & South Sound STEM Fair AllianceEPA Letter & **SSRSEF Friends of EarthProject addresses earth and environmental topics. Includes projects that could lead to improvements.BellarmineIs MRSA Present in the Water at the Local Chambers Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant?12
Charlie Zelazny Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) & South Sound STEM Fair AllianceEPA Letter & **SSRSEF Friends of EarthProject addresses earth and environmental topics. Includes projects that could lead to improvements.BellarmineIs MRSA Present in the Water at the Local Chambers Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant?12
Emily Smith (Team)Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) & South Sound STEM Fair AllianceEPA Letter & **SSRSEF Friends of EarthProject addresses earth and environmental topics. Includes projects that could lead to improvements.BellarmineDeveloping a Solar-powered Grow Light System to Grow Tomatoes in Bellarmine's Greenhouse12
Brett KelleyEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) & South Sound STEM Fair AllianceEPA Letter & **SSRSEF Friends of EarthProject addresses earth and environmental topics. Includes projects that could lead to improvements.BellarmineThe Effects of Plastic Straws and Their Alternatives on Water Quality and Aquatic Environments12
Sophie WetzelEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) & South Sound STEM Fair AllianceEPA Letter & **SSRSEF Friends of EarthProject addresses earth and environmental topics. Includes projects that could lead to improvements.BellarmineThe Efficiency of Hydroponics on Tomato Plants12
Maeve Hunt (Team)Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) & South Sound STEM Fair AllianceEPA Letter & **SSRSEF Friends of EarthProject addresses earth and environmental topics. Includes projects that could lead to improvements.BellarmineDeveloping a Solar-powered Grow Light System to Grow Tomatoes in Bellarmine's Greenhouse12
Henry JacobsonEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) & South Sound STEM Fair AllianceEPA Letter & **SSRSEF Friends of EarthProject addresses earth and environmental topics. Includes projects that could lead to improvements.BellarmineStudy Comparison: Avalanche Snow Probes Versus Conventional Snow Pit in Determining Avalanche Danger12
Luke JouflasEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) & South Sound STEM Fair AllianceEPA Letter & **SSRSEF Friends of EarthProject addresses earth and environmental topics. Includes projects that could lead to improvements.BellarmineStudy Comparison: Avalanche Snow Probes Versus Conventional Snow Pit in Determining Avalanche Danger12
Nidhi Krishna KumarEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) & South Sound STEM Fair AllianceEPA Letter & **SSRSEF Friends of EarthProject addresses earth and environmental topics. Includes projects that could lead to improvements.OlympiaMUSR: Low-Cost Multipurpose Sterilization Robot12
Hayden KaleiwaheaEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) & South Sound STEM Fair AllianceEPA Letter & **SSRSEF Friends of EarthProject addresses earth and environmental topics. Includes projects that could lead to improvements.BellarmineSize Dependent Population Analysis of Primary Puget Sound Sea Star Species Post Sea Star Wasting12
Jordan JanakievskiEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) & South Sound STEM Fair AllianceEPA Letter & **SSRSEF Friends of EarthProject addresses earth and environmental topics. Includes projects that could lead to improvements.BellarminePhytoplankton Detection Using Machine Learning and a Mobile Application12
Smriti Somasundaram Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) & South Sound STEM Fair AllianceEPA Letter & **SSRSEF Friends of EarthProject addresses earth and environmental topics. Includes projects that could lead to improvements.OlympiaA Perovskite Crystal Structure Prediction and Screening System using Complex Machine Learning Methods 12
Sathvik NallamalliEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) & South Sound STEM Fair AllianceEPA Letter & **SSRSEF Friends of EarthProject addresses earth and environmental topics. Includes projects that could lead to improvements.OlympiaA Perovskite Crystal Structure Prediction and Screening System using Complex Machine Learning Methods12

**The EPA letter of encouragement awarded to all students who have projects in the areas of environmental sciences and environmental engineering. The South Sound STEM Fair Alliance (Operators of the South Sound Science and Engineering Fair – SSRSEF) has instituted a “Friends of Earth” Specialty Award. The award goes to projects K-12 that address the condition of the earth. This may include ideas for improving the environment, documenting the current state of the environment etc. The awards will be presented annually. The award is a reusable blue aluminum water bottle with the SSRSEF Logo and a certificate.

2021 K-8 Specialty Awards

Due to our adoption of COPPA we only post first names for K-8.

First SponsorAwardCriteriaSchoolProjectGrade
KevinBroadcom Masters ProgramMasters's ProgramTOP 10% Grades 6-8NOVAAn Experimental UAV Utilizing Pivoting Wings for Stability and Efficiency Control8
KevinWashington State Science & Engineering FairProject Achievement AwardOutstanding Research Based ProjectNOVAAn Experimental UAV Utilizing Pivoting Wings for Stability and Efficiency Control8
KevinDepartment of NavyOffice of Naval Research AwardFor Quality Science and Engineering Projects NOVAAn Experimental UAV Utilizing Pivoting Wings for Stability and Efficiency Control8
JudahDepartment of NavyOffice of Naval Research Award For Quality Science and Engineering ProjectsSeaburyHow Much Does Surface Area Affect Water Filtration?7
GarrisonSociety For ScienceThe Lemelson Early Inventor Award. Certificate and $100Showing promising solution to real-world problemsMountain ViewA Tale of Two MFC's6
ValerieEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) & South Sound STEM Fair AllianceEPA Letter & **SSRSEF Friends of EarthProject addresses earth and environmental topics. Includes projects that could lead to improvements.Rainier ElementaryBug Hotel: A Habitat Project1
Sanjana Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) & South Sound STEM Fair AllianceEPA Letter & **SSRSEF Friends of EarthProject addresses earth and environmental topics. Includes projects that could lead to improvements.CentennialGreen House Effect 5
LexiEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) & South Sound STEM Fair AllianceEPA Letter & **SSRSEF Friends of EarthProject addresses earth and environmental topics. Includes projects that could lead to improvements.Chief LeschiHow to Build a Better Flying Machine from Paper3
MontgomeryEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) & South Sound STEM Fair AllianceEPA Letter & **SSRSEF Friends of EarthProject addresses earth and environmental topics. Includes projects that could lead to improvements.SeaburyNixing Nautical Nanoplastic6
GarrisonEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) & South Sound STEM Fair AllianceEPA Letter & **SSRSEF Friends of EarthProject addresses earth and environmental topics. Includes projects that could lead to improvements.Mountain ViewA Tale of Two MFC's6
JudahEnvironmental Protection Agency (EPA) & South Sound STEM Fair AllianceEPA Letter & **SSRSEF Friends of EarthProject addresses earth and environmental topics. Includes projects that could lead to improvements.SeaburyHow Much Does Surface Area Affect Water Filtration?7
AsherPruett FamilySafety First AwardMost safety conscious projectsSeaburyDecaying Strawberries with Liquids and in Different Places3
HarishPruett FamilySafety First AwardMost safety conscious projectsStewartMake a Wish and Blow the Candle2
GarrisonPruett FamilySafety First AwardMost safety conscious projectsMountain ViewA Tale of Two MFC's6

**The EPA letter of encouragement awarded to all students who have projects in the areas of environmental sciences and environmental engineering. The South Sound STEM Fair Alliance (Operators of the South Sound Science and Engineering Fair – SSRSEF) has instituted a “Friends of Earth” Specialty Award. The award goes to projects K-12 that address the condition of the earth. This may include ideas for improving the environment, documenting the current state of the environment etc. The awards will be presented annually. The award is a reusable blue aluminum water bottle with the SSRSEF Logo and a certificate.