Orange Students Recognized for Sustainable Science Fair Project at 67th Annual Connecticut Science Fair

Orange, Conn. (March 18, 2015) – Orange students Meira Shleifer and Zahava Klein were honored as finalists for their project, “Analysis of Safer Electroplating Metals and Electrolyte Solutions with their Environmental Impact,” at the 67th Annual Science and Engineering Fair at Quinnipiac University that was held on Saturday, March 14, 2015.

Energize Connecticut and the eesmarts program sponsored the Special Award categories of Alternative/Renewable Energy for middle and high school students; Future Sustainability for high school students; and Sustainable Resources and Practices for middle school students.

Klein and Shleifer’s project was honored in Sustainable Resources and Practices category for Middle School students. The overall purpose of the experiment was to use safer electrolyte solutions to electroplate different metals.

On hand to present the awards to the finalists was William Dornbos, of Acadia Center and Chairperson of the Connecticut Energy Efficiency Board. Representatives from Eversource Energy and The United Illuminating Company served as judging chairs and coordinated approximately 40 judges from the Capitol Region Education Council, The Connecticut Green Bank, United Technologies Corporation, Eversource Energy, The United Illuminating Company, and other partner organizations.

The Connecticut Science and Engineering Fair is open to students in grades seven through 12 across the state, who compete for more than 600 spots each year. The objective of the fair is to attract young people to careers in the science and engineering industry, while also developing critical thinking skills. The fair is supported by several academic and industrial organizations throughout the state, with funds directed to the awards, operations and various educational activities.

About Energize Connecticut

Energize Connecticut helps you save money and use clean energy. It is an initiative of the Energy Efficiency Fund, the Clean Energy Finance & Investment Authority, the State, and your local electric and gas utilities, with funding from a charge on customer energy bills. Information on energy-saving programs can be found at EnergizeCT.com or by calling 1.877.WISE.USE.