More than 550 aspiring junior and senior high school scientists will compete for nearly $24,000 in Slippery Rock University scholarships when the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science visits campus for its 63rd annual Region IX meeting Feb. 22.

For 23 years, students in grades 7 through 12 have gathered on SRU's campus to present research projects and investigations from a variety of fields, including biology, psychology, engineering, physics and mathematics. Area school districts from nine counties — including Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Clarion, Indiana, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mercer and Venango — will participate in the upcoming event.

“The student participants are always so excited to present their unique ideas and findings,” said Nicole Dafoe, SRU associate professor and chairwoman of the biology department, who is helping lead this year's event with Ethan Nicholas, interim executive director of business and economic development. “As an educator, it's so much fun to see their perspective on things and to give them that opportunity to shine.”

The PJAS is a statewide organization of junior and senior high school students designed to “stimulate and promote interest in science among its members through the development of research projects and investigations,” according to the PJAS website.

Dafoe said the event is meaningful on multiple levels because students worked on their projects for some time and will share their ideas with a large audience. She commended the students for having the courage to present before a large group. She added past participants told her the competition helped them later in life by giving them confidence to speak in front of people.

“But it's not just about the science, it's about having an opportunity to stand in front of the judges, present the work that they've done and hear feedback that can be incredibly valuable in helping them learn and grow.”

The university is again offering a $12,000 scholarship ($3,000 per year for four years) to attend SRU to the top senior and top junior award winners. SRU's biology department will provide $100 awards to the top junior and senior high students in any biological field. Additionally, chemistry, math, physics, engineering and psychology will also each offer individual $100 awards to the overall best presentation within their respective disciplines.

Presentations will begin at 1 p.m. following lunch and will be throughout campus in the Vincent Science Center, the Advanced Science and Technology Building, Patterson Hall, Spotts World Culture Building, the Physical Therapy Building and Smith Student Center. Presentations will be evaluated by 180 judges in total, including SRU and high school faculty, professionals and SRU students from the College of Health, Engineering and Science. Participants who receive a “first place” ranking will have the opportunity to participate in May's state competition at Penn State University.

The event is free, open to the public and is accessible.

Lesa Bressanelli is a student writer with Slippery Rock University.