Future scientists converge for 47th annual Utica University Regional Science Fair
“Experiences such as this can play a pivotal role in inspiring students to become life-long learners."
Scientific knowledge drives the world forward, and at the steering wheel are an ever-growing and changing roster of bright minds and great thinkers. The newest generation of great scientists, made up of more than 60 students from eight different middle and high schools throughout the region, gathered March 21 on campus in the Donohue Concourse for the 47th Annual Utica University Regional Science Fair.
Established in 1978 with the twin goals of enhancing the region’s K-12 math and science programs and stimulating increased attention and interest in student learning in math and science, the Regional Science Fair is a forum wherein talented students may demonstrate this enthusiasm and interest in science. Many individuals have spent long hours planning, soliciting support and interest, and bringing to fruition the day’s events to which guests are invited to enjoy.
"We are thrilled to welcome to campus this year’s participants in the Utica University Regional Science Fair,” said Associate Professor of Biology and Regional Science Fair Director Dr. Sarah Keesom. “Experiences such as this can play a pivotal role in inspiring students to become life-long learners. By hosting this science fair each year, we seek to encourage the next generation of scientists to stay curious, passionate, and motivated in the pursuit of new knowledge."
Closed to the public from 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., judges made their way from each of the 48 projects to the next, evaluating participants and their entries. For judging purposes, the Senior Level (grades 9-12) and the Junior Level (grades 7-8) were each divided into three categories: Physical Science, Natural Science, and Math/ Computer Science/Engineering.
Student projects were evaluated independently by two judges with awards given for first through fourth place in the three categories in each division. The project in each division with the highest overall score after three independent evaluations was awarded the Grand Championship. Projects were also simultaneously judged for discipline-specific special awards supported by professional organizations, governmental agencies, and a number of generous individuals.
The Science fair judges are made up of local individuals who volunteer their time, with some having participated for more than two decades. Judges included faculty from Utica University, Hamilton College, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Herkimer County Community College, and Mohawk Valley Community College; engineers and personnel from local technology and research industries; medical professionals; and civilian and military staff members of the Information Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome, NY.
The Utica University Regional Science Fair is affiliated with and sanctioned by the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), the governing body for science fairs since 1980.
Alizay Meerub Bilal from Whitesboro High School, was named 2026 Senior Level Grand Champion for her presentation of "Predicting Cancer Pathway Shifts via Dietary Carotenoid–Mediated Retinoid Signaling: A Systems Biology Model of Breast, Lung, and Leukemia Regulation" and will be invited to compete in the 2026 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix, Arizona from May 9-15, 2026. Utica University will sponsor Alizay and a chaperone to participate in the event.
Awards for the various categories of the Science Fair can be found here.
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