Can new acoustic metamaterials reduce broadband noise?

Can voxel-based morphometry and time-frequency analysis of epilepsy better detect seizure impairments? How can machine learning predict sewer flooding?

More than 220 students from grades 6 through 12 answered these and other questions through poster presentations, competing for nearly $15,000 in prizes. Alabama Science and Technology Fair ASEF at Auburn University.

This university-wide outreach event was coordinated by the College of Science and Mathematics’ STEM Outreach Office and sponsored by corporations, educational foundations and the Auburn University President’s Office. Faculty of Science and Faculty of Mathematics (COSAM), Samuel Ginn School of Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Raymond J. Herbert School of Management, Harrison College of Pharmacy And that Faculty of Veterinary Medicine.

Auburn has been hosting ASEF since 2021 as the hub for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education and workforce development in Alabama.

Daniel and Josephine Breeden Professor Virginia Davis Chemical EngineeringASEF Community Engagement Director, said STEM education is essential to the state's continued economic growth.

“Alabama has transitioned to a manufacturing economy and is now the largest auto exporter in the country,” Davis said. “The state's economy is also fueled by strengths in bioscience, advanced materials and aerospace. Even in traditional economic bases like agriculture, STEM skills are needed. Events like ASEF plant those seeds in kids' minds.”

ASEF Participants – Winners from four regions in the state (cell phone, Central Alabama, North Alabama and Greater East Alabama) — students spend several months researching, investigating, and analyzing a topic of their choice. Students learn how to answer questions using the scientific method and develop their skills and confidence by presenting their findings to mentors, graduate students, faculty, and even industry representatives, where they can engage with them, learn about their work, and receive positive and constructive feedback.

COSAM STEM Outreach Center Director and Fair Director Mary Lou Ewald sees ASEF as not only a platform to showcase innovative projects but also a celebration of young minds embracing the wonder of STEM.

“Through ASEF and similar efforts, informal STEM education is the foundation for developing tomorrow's STEM leaders,” said Ewald, who was appointed along with Davis to the Alabama STEM Council by Gov. Kay Ivey in 2020. “It fosters a passion for discovery, instills critical thinking skills and sparks the creativity that produces cutting-edge research. ASEF's success is measured not just in trophies and accolades, but in inspiring dreams and stimulating future innovation.”

In addition to the numerous research projects presented at ASEF, attendees also had the opportunity to take part in interactive exhibits representing fields such as animal science, forest products, plasma physics, engineering and music.

“This was a true campus experience for students and their families,” said Associate Director Jessica Gilpin. COSAM STEM Outreach“They got to immerse themselves in a college atmosphere. It was the best atmosphere at Auburn University. It's not just one university. We're doing this because today's kids are tomorrow's future and STEM education is pervasive everywhere. Any workforce development opportunities that kids participate in, like science and engineering fairs, feed into that.”

Davis said hosting ASEF is a win-win for both Auburn University and fair participants.

“Hosting a state fair helps us fulfill our land grant mission, helps us recruit the best and brightest students in the state, and provides current students with an opportunity to give back to the community,” Davis said. “It also provides a venue for faculty and students to test ideas and build the infrastructure for our fair system.”

Three ASEF winners, Will Bao of Auburn High School, Liana Mahatsente of Tuscaloosa Northridge High School and Max Rizzy of Indian Springs High School, were selected to compete alongside 1,800 other participants from more than 50 countries for more than $4 million in prize money. Regeneron International Science and Technology Fair This weekend in Los Angeles.

Bao’s research presentation, “Discovery of Novel Acoustic Metamaterials through Machine Learning for Broadband Noise Reduction,” was not only selected as an ASEF finalist, but also won the top prize, the Southern Research Moving Science Award.

The complete list of 2024 awardees is available at ASEF website.