St. Mark Students - Finalists in CT Science and Engineering Fair

Seven middle school students from St. Mark School in Stratford recently qualified for the 2016 Connecticut Science and Engineering Fair (CSEF). Jonathan Bushka, Christina deBenedetto, Ashlinn Derleth, Kelly DeRosa, Liam Millot, Anna Nemergut and Natalie Sciallo all earned medals of honor for their science fair projects.

Five St. Mark students were among the state finalists in this year’s 68th Annual Fair. Their projects were recognized at an awards ceremony at Quinnipiac University on Saturday, March 19, 2016. The students earned awards which included trophies, cash prizes, and an invitation to complete in the Broadcom Masters, the premier science and engineering competition for middle school students.

The CSEF is an annual, statewide science and engineering fair open to all 7th through 12th grade students residing, or enrolled, in Connecticut schools and Fishers Island. An important objective of the program is to attract young people to careers in science and engineering while developing skills essential to critical thinking. St. Mark School has participated in the CSEF since 2011 and has produced finalists every year. In 2016, the school reached a “record high” in number of student finalists.

Student Projects and Awards:

Liam Millot (Grade 7) Mud Power: How to Increase Power Output from a Microbial Fuel Cell

- 2nd Honors CSEF Ribbon

- Sustainable Resources and Practices Awards --- Middle School Finalist - Medallion and Acrylic Trophy
- Alexion Biotechnology Awards --- 4th Place- Biotechnology 7th grade- trophy

Jonathan Bushka (Grade 7) The Effect of Caffeine on Plant Growth

– 3rd Honors CSEF Ribbon

Anna Nemergut (Grade 8) Paws to Consider: Are Cats Left-Handed, Right-Handed or Ambidextrous?

– 2nd Honors CSEF Ribbon

Kelly DeRosa and Natalie Sciallo (Grade 8) Sugar Uncovered: How the Enzyme Invertase Simulates the Hydrolysis of Sucrose, Revealing Hidden Sugars

- 1st Honors CSEF Ribbon

- Pfizer Life Sciences Awards --- Finalist - Life Sciences Middle School Team - CSF Medallion & Acrylic Award

- Petit Family Foundation Women in Science & Engineering Awards --- Middle School Finalist- Life Sciences - Medallion and Acrylic Award

- Meyerand Young Woman Scientist Awards --- $300 cash - Middle School Life Sciences

Christina deBenedetto and Ashlinn Derleth (Grade 8) Music and Memory: Does Music have a Positive Impact on Alzheimer’s Patients

- 1st Honors CSEF Ribbon

- Pfizer Life Sciences Awards --- 1st Place- Life Sciences Middle School Team- $100 each & trophy and Invite to Compete in Broadcom Masters