Bayer School Award to be Given, Faculty Judges to Volunteer at Intel Science Fair

Duquesne University faculty will be part of the world’s largest pre-college science and engineering competition at the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF) which is hosting 1,500 ninth-through-twelfth graders from around the world in Pittsburgh this week through Friday, May 18.

The Bayer School of Natural and Environmental Sciences will present two special awards to competition finalists whose projects exemplify scientific creativity and excellence in experimental design and project performance. Bayer School Dean Dr. David Seybert; Dr. Alan W. Seadler, associate academic vice president for research; and Dr. Rita Mihailescu, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry, will serve as judges for these Bayer School awards.

“This shows Duquesne’s commitment to continued support of science, technology, engineering and math education at all levels,” Seadler said. “This is an opportunity for us to support the Pittsburgh region at a world-class event.”

Other Duquesne faculty joining the group of about 1,000 judges that will determine the winner of the $75,000 top award and more than 70 other prizes include:

  • Dr. Sarah Woodley, associate professor of biological sciences, Bayer School
  • Ed Schroth, adjunct professor, biological sciences, Bayer School
  • Dr. Nithya Vaidyanathan, lab administrator for the chemistry department, Bayer School
  • Dr. Patrick Juola, professor of computer science, McAnulty College and Graduate School of Liberal Arts
  • Dr. Tammy Hughes, the Rev. Martin A. Hehir, C.S.Sp., Endowed Chair in Scholarly Excellence, department chair and professor in the School of Education’s Department of Counseling, Psychology and Special Education, lead judge for the American Psychological Association
  • Dr. Ara Schmitt, assistant professor in the School of Education’s Department of Counseling, Psychology and Special Education, judge for the American Psychological Association.

The Intel ISEF, a program of the Society for Science & the Public, is affiliated with 446 fairs in about 70 countries and offers more than $3 million in awards. Among the many prizes are trips to the Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar and Nobel Prize ceremonies, the European Union Contest for Young Scientists and other elite activities.

The fair is being held in Pittsburgh to align with the region’s emerging technology sector.