By: Ohio Academy of Science; 1808Delaware
For 72 years, State Science Day, a program of The Ohio Academy of Science, has been the pinnacle of academic achievement for students pursuing inquiry-based scientific research and engineering design. This year’s event was scheduled at The Ohio State University on Saturday, May 9, but was successfully converted to an online competition this spring when it became apparent that a live, in-person event required a cancellation to comply with the State of Ohio’s health and safety mandates to combat the effects of COVID-19.
Drawing from a base of nearly 10,000 students, 797 STEM scholars in fifth through 12th grades advanced their projects to the State Science Day, where they competed for nearly $500,000 in sponsored scholarships and awards. A total of 258 schools participated.
Several Ohio Departments and Centers fund awards at State Science Day. The Governor’s Thomas Edison Awards include, Excellence in Student Research in Advanced or Alternative Energy, Biotechnology and Biomedical Technologies, Advanced Materials, and Information Science & Technology Research. Funding support for the Governor’s Awards is made by the Ohio Development Services Agency (Technology Division).
In a virtual ceremony held on July 14, Lt. Governor Jon Husted and Director, Lydia Mihalik (Ohio Development Services Agency) honored State Science Day and recognized each of the 28 students who received the Governor’s Thomas Edison Award.
Delaware County’s Thomas Edison Award winner is Joshua Cox of Buckeye Valley Middle School. Joshua placed third in the Information Science & Technology Research area for Grades 7-9.
The event can be found here: https://youtu.be/_m-yi064AJk.
“I am inspired by the 28 STEM scholars who received this prestigious award,” said Lt. Governor Jon Husted. “State Science Day is a great opportunity for young Ohioans to engage with professional scientists and engineers, learn and build the skills needed to compete in today’s tech-infused economy and gain hands-on experience that will set them up for future success.”
“Needless to say, this monumental effort was not only made possible because of the generous support of our sponsors, but the dedicated and hardworking volunteers and STEM leaders who comprise the OAS Junior Academy Council, which is directed by Dr. Martin English of Tipp City,” said Michael E. Woytek, Executive Director of The Ohio Academy of Science. Woytek added, “It’s thrilling to have Lt. Governor Husted and Director Mihalik validate the importance of State Science Day and the research contributions made by these students.”
