WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Feb. 26, 2016 — Every February, the annual West Liberty Regional Science & Engineering Fair brings dozens of middle and high school students to the campus as they demonstrate their scientific process through posters, exhibits and sharing. This year the fair takes place on Saturday, Feb. 27.

“The Regional Science & Engineering Fair encourages young students and recognizes quality scientific investigation in students while rewarding them for their work,” said co-director Dr. Zachary Loughman, who himself participated in many science fairs during his younger years. Loughman is an assistant professor of biology at West Liberty University and is known for his work in biology with species identification and crayfish.

“We are especially grateful this year for the support of Southwestern Energy, which is funding the monetary awards and the winner’s trip to California to attend the annual Intel International Science and Engineering Fair this May,” he added.

This year, the fair takes place on one day only, rather than its previous two-day format. But it is still open to inquisitive minds in grades 6 – 12. The competition and poster displays take place in Campbell Hall of Health Sciences, with registration beginning at 8 a.m., followed by exhibit set-up, judging and special presentations by both the SMART Center Market and the Good Zoo at Oglebay. The awards ceremony closes the event at approximately 3 p.m. in Kelly Theatre.

“Science and engineering fairs like this encourage young students and educate them in a hands-on way to the methods of research. We welcome all the students to the hilltop and look forward to another successful science event,” said co-director Dr. Theunis van Aardt, assistant professor of chemistry.

Any student or group of students from Jefferson and Belmont counties in Ohio and Hancock, Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, Tyler, and Wetzel counties in West Virginia, are welcome to take part in the fair. Applications were completed online to register for the event.

Students compete for category awards, special awards, and an opportunity to go to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. The Senior Division Grand Prize winner receives, in addition to numerous category and special awards, an all-expense-paid trip to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair where they will compete for $1.4 million in scholarships and cash prizes at the International Fair. A second Regional Fair competitor will receive an all-expense-paid trip to the International Fair as an observer.

“The WLU science fair remains the number one science fair in the region. It has been in existence for more than 50 years. As always we are also grateful for the support of our faculty and the Wheeling Civitan Club who help in so many ways to make this happen,” said Loughman.

For more information, contact Dr. Loughman at 304-336-8923 or Dr. van Aardt at 304-336-8033.