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Posted Apr 24 2008

Cambridge, MA - Over 350 outstanding science students are putting final touches on their research projects and preparing to compete for more than $425,000 in cash, prizes and scholarships at the 59th annual Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF).

The event celebrates year-long school programs that focus on hands-on learning, innovation and achievement in science, engineering and technology. Judging of 300 individual and team projects takes place May 2, and the Fair is open to the public on Saturday May 3, from 12:00 to 3:00 pm. Cash awards, prizes, and scholarships are presented at a ceremony in Kresge Auditorium on Saturday, May 3rd at 3:30 pm, emceed for the second consecutive year by WBZ-TV meteorologist Mish Michaels.

Dudley Herschbach- Nobel Laureate

Nobel Prize laureate Dudley Herschbach will address MSSEF participants, staff and volunteers at the official opening of the Fair, Friday, May 2. Herschbach won a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1986. Looking forward to the Fair, Herschbach said, "I always find it inspiring to witness the work of the students and the many volunteers, especially the judges, who gladly contribute so much effort to enhance the experience for the students."

"Our exhibitors represent a group of highly motivated and talented youth," said Cora Beth Abel, Executive Director of MSSEF. "Through the generosity of our sponsors and donors, we can reward students for their efforts and for the results they've achieved. This inquiry-based, scientific learning process gives students an opportunity to explore topics that interest them, while building key skill sets for careers in the 21st century."

According to Elizabeth Minassian, RN, a MSSEF judge for many years, "MSSEF renews my belief in our young, bright, goal-oriented teenagers. Every year I am amazed at their creativity and knowledge."

Students also praise the science fair as a valuable stepping-stone toward career decisions and life's future experiences. "I like the idea of proposing a question and then finding the answer through a systematic approach. It's something I'll always use. And describing my months of research and experimentation to a judge or casual observer is my favorite part of the process," said a 2007 MSSEF participant.

This MSSEF event also includes the Science Fair Expo, a showcase of interactive exhibits from local companies and institutions, demonstrating how science, technology, engineering and math play key roles in today's business, industry, academic and professional environments. The Expo is open Friday, May 2, 1 pm-5 pm and Saturday, May 3, noon to 3 pm in the foyer of the Johnson Athletics Center.

WBZ-TV's Mish Michaels Will Host MSSEF Awards Ceremony

On Friday May 2, WBZ-TV meteorologist Mish Michaels will tour the MSSEF to review projects and select students to appear on her weather update broadcast that evening. Saturday, May 3, Ms. Michaels will host the MSSEF Awards Recognition Ceremony in MIT's Kresge Auditorium, beginning at 3:30 pm. The public is invited to attend.

The two-day Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair also includes a luncheon seminar for parents on financing a college education, and a student banquet with a speaker from the science community, and later a DJ & dancing. Friday evening, the first annual MSSEF Science Fair Alumni Networking Night will be held on the MIT Campus. Events continue Saturday, May 3, with the Career Opportunities Program followed by the public viewing of projects (Noon to 3 pm). The fair concludes with the Awards Recognition Ceremony in Kresge Auditorium at 3:30 pm.

About the Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair Inc. (MSSEF)

The Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair seeks to engage students in the inquiry and exploration of science, engineering and technology. Established almost 60 years ago by dedicated members of the educational community and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, MSSEF now supports several hundred competitive and non-competitive fairs involving 50,000 Massachusetts students each year. A culminating statewide fair is held in the spring at MIT for high school students (May 2 & 3, 2008), followed by the Middle School Fair at the Worcester Technical High School (June 7, 2008). These statewide Fairs annually showcase outstanding student projects, awarding college scholarships and other prizes for the top-scoring students and teams. Students participating in MSSEF develop self-learning techniques, increase self-respect and expand their social skills and awareness. MSSEF is proud of its role in helping to fuel the supply of bright and talented scientists, engineers and researchers.

Major sponsors include Cabot Corporation Foundation, EMC Corporation, Fish & Richardson P.C., INTEL Corporation, The Noyce Foundation, Symantec Corporation, UMASS Boston, and Wheaton College, as well as primary sustaining sponsors: Regis College, Genzyme Corporation, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Inc., and Worcester Polytechnic Institute.  

The Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair, Inc. is a nonprofit tax-exempt corporation under Federal law 501c (3). Our mission is to increase awareness of, exposure to, and participation in inquiry-based learning through the development of science and engineering projects by middle school and high school students, and to showcase and celebrate that learning.