Empowering Young Minds: USU Uintah Basin Sponsors Inspiring Science Fair for Grades 6-9

Vernal, Utah—This month, over 160 middle school students from Uintah, Duchesne, and Carbon counties gathered for the annual Uintah School District Science Fair at Utah State University Uintah Basin. The event was held on January 16 at the Uintah Conference Center in Vernal.

Faculty from USU Uintah Basin teamed up with local K-12 educators to organize the fair. Students showcased their projects across four categories: engineering, biological sciences, physical sciences, and social sciences, competing in grades 6 through 8. The best projects were recognized with awards for the top three finishers in each grade.

Mike Christiansen, an associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry at USU Uintah Basin, commented on the fair’s growth. “Started over a decade ago, it has become a fantastic platform for students to present their research. Winning projects even get the chance to compete at state and national levels,” he stated.

The science fair began with the help of former USU professor Lianna Etchberger and has been supported by the university since its start in 2012. It grew so much that it moved to the larger Uintah Conference Center in 2017. Before this event, students often traveled long distances to participate in qualifying fairs.

“Hundreds of students have joined over the years, and they really enjoy it,” said Christiansen. “Seeing their smiles is fulfilling for me and our team of amazing local teachers who help make this event possible. A big thank you to everyone involved!”

The winning students are now eligible for the regional Ritchey Science & Engineering Junior Fair, scheduled for March 13 at Weber State University in Ogden.

Winners of the Uintah School District Junior Science Fair:

Engineering:

• Moses LeBeau (6th grade)
• Ember Zufelt (7th grade)
• Melody Liebhardt (8th grade)

Biological Sciences:

• Emalee Purcell (6th grade)
• Austin Taylor (7th grade)
• Tyler Huber (8th grade)

Physical Sciences:

• Leah Wells (6th grade)
• Cristin Halverson (7th grade)
• Morris Stewart (8th grade)

Social Sciences:

• Paizlee Seamons (6th grade)
• Paisley Johnson (7th grade)
• Shayanne Ulwelling (8th grade)

A number of students received community awards presented by local organizations supporting the fair, including:

• Kimber Farnsworth, Tyler Huber, and Sophie Batty (Frontier Solutions)
• David Pierce (USU Bingham Research Center)
• Ember Zufelt and Sam Hirschi (Deseret Power)
• Moses LeBeau, Cooper Wilson, Ryker Janowicz, and Cole Murphy (BHI)
• Austin Taylor, Cristin Halverson, Kimber Farnsworth, Ember Zufelt, and Tyce Stilson (Utah Division of Wildlife Resources)
• Treyson Farrer, David Pierce, Megan Glazier, Gentry Weeks, Fiona Faucher, and Ruby Batty (Uintah School District)
• Sam Pierce and Austin Taylor (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)
• Avery Wood and Ruby Batty (Ashley Regional Medical Center)
• Analyn Pead, Jane Simmons, and Deenylah Tilo (Pepsi)
• Nadia Wong, Gavin Christensen, Rylan, and McDonald (Friends of the Utah Field House)
• Easton Labrum, Ben Shiner, and Sullivan Olson (UBTECH SkillsUSA Chapter)

For over 50 years, USU Uintah Basin has offered personalized education in Vernal and Roosevelt. With small class sizes and a wide range of degree programs, it prepares students for various careers while serving the local community. Interested individuals can learn more at uintahbasin.usu.edu.