Elementary Students to Compete at STU’s 15th Annual Science Fair
By Belkis Mejia Perdomo
St. Thomas University (STU) in collaboration with the Jessie Trice Community Health Foundation (JTCHF) will host the 15th Annual Science and Engineering Fair on Wednesday, Jan. 21 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at St. Thomas University. More than 150 elementary students from 12 North Miami-Dade schools will compete and present science experiments in hopes of winning a cash prize. Winners will be announced at the Participant Award Ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 22 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the JTCHS Barbara Jordan Health and Wellness Center.
STU is committed to expanding early access to STEM education throughout the Miami-Dade community. The science fair underscores the crucial role of engaging students at the inception of their academic journey by providing opportunities that will help develop strong critical-thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, creativity and spark lifelong interest in science, technology, engineering and math.
“Hosting our local elementary school students for the 15th Annual Science and Engineering Fair is a wonderful reminder that curiosity and discovery start at an early age,” said Dr. Jeffery Plunkett, dean of College of Health Sciences and Technology. “We’re proud to open the STU campus to inspire young scientists and show them how education, science, health, and innovation can shape their futures and the lives of others.”
The event is developed under the leadership of David Williams, vice chair of the JTCHF board and a former councilmember in the City of Miami Gardens, whose vision established the fair 15 years ago as a platform to encourage academic excellence and science literacy among elementary students.
A unique component of the fair requires students to include a male mentor — such as a father, brother, uncle, or teacher — during the development of their project reinforcing the importance of familial support in early education. At the fair, more than 30 judges from diverse fields including health sciences, chemistry, physics, and math sciences will critique their submissions based on scientific merit, originality, and presentation. This year, senior-level STU students will also participate in the judging process, providing participants with peer role models to help inspire future aspirations in STEM fields.
St. Thomas University continues to expand access to STEM education and strengthening community partnerships across Miami-Dade County. Additional information about STU and its academic programs is available at www.stu.edu