The IEEE Huntsville Section recently participated in the North Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair (NARSEF) held in Decatur on the campus of Calhoun Community College. Judging was Tuesday, March 15th, with the Awards Ceremony Thursday the 17th. IEEE evaluated projects from the Junior Division (grades 7 & 8) and Senior Division (grades 9-12), selecting four winners from each division in Science and Engineering categories. Each award recipient received a framed certificate and form to mail to our section Treasurer to receive a $100 savings bond.

Left to Right, Frank Parris, Willie Fitzpatrick, and Keith Jadus judged projects at NARSEF for the IEEE – Huntsville Section.

Willie Fitzpatrick, Keith Jadus, and Frank Parris represented our section, evaluating projects, talking to students, and ultimately deciding our winners. There always seems to be quite a variety of interesting projects and topics to judge, and this year was no exception – everything from autonomous minesweeping robots to creating ball lightning in a microwave (and unfortunately, no, the microwave did not survive!). The students brought a lot of energy and enthusiasm to their projects,taking their research seriously, but maintaining that certain “youthful” perspective on science. Results didn’t always match expectations, illustrated by one Junior Division student who expected her “mouse” robot to negotiate a maze faster using a photovoltaic sensor than its “feelers,” but was surprised to discover it could “bump and run” faster than it could look where it was going (a lesson not applicable to her future driving skills, however, we – and her parents – hope!).

Frank Parris presents awards to IEEE Junior Division winners Dustin Terry, Laura Batt, and Alexandra Fuller.

The winners selected by IEEE in the Junior Division were: “Autonomous Minesweeper,” by Dustin Terry, East Lawrence Middle School; “The aMAZEing Robot,” by Laura Batt, St. John’s Catholic; “An Investigation into the Efficiency of a P.E.M. Fuel Cell Vehicle,” by Alexandra Fuller, Way Home Christian; and “Magnet Magic 2,” by Brendan Marschner, St. Ann’s School.

Frank Parris with IEEE Senior Division award winners Taylor Helsper, Mark Stahl, and Joshua Kalin.

The winners in the Senior Division were: “Supercomputing With Linux Clusters,” by Taylor Helsper, Catholic High School; “Electromagnetic Protection on Space Ships,” by Mark Stahl, Huntsville High School; “A Non-Intrusive Investigation of a Simulated Ball Lightning Phenomena,” by Joshua Kalin, Catholic High School; and “Lifting Weights Using Pulleys,” by Ricardo Simmonds, Catholic High School.

Thanks again to our judges for taking the time to assist with judging IEEE awards, and a special “Thanks!” to Dr. Sue Mitchell and George Williams for organizing and hosting another great science fair at Calhoun Community College this year. And, of course, “Thanks!” to the students for their hard work, interest in science, and excellent projects.

"Autonomous Minesweeper", by Dustin Terry, E. Lawrence MS.

"The aMAZEing Robot", by Laura Batt, St. John’s Catholic.

"An Investigation into the Efficiency of a P.E.M. Fuel Cell Vehicle,” by Alexandra Fuller, Way Home Christian.

“Magnet Magic 2,” by Brendan Marschner, St. Ann’s School.

“Supercomputing With Linux Clusters,” by Taylor Helsper, Catholic High School.

“Electromagnetic Protection on Space Ships,” by Mark Stahl, Huntsville High School.

“A Non-Intrusive Investigation of a Simulated Ball Lightning Phenomena,” by Joshua Kalin, Catholic High School.

“Lifting Weights Using Pulleys,” by Ricardo Simmonds, Catholic High School.