Kaua‘i Students Excel in International Science and Engineering Fair Competition”.

Kaua‘i High School senior Jeanine Longboy and her teacher Alexa Nelson are set to represent the state of Hawaii at the International Science and Engineering Fair in Los Angeles from May 11 through May 17. As part of the 21-project Hawai‘i delegation, they will be competing against approximately 3,000 projects from all 50 states, U.S. territories, and 87 countries for awards and scholarships totaling over $3 million.

Longboy, who won first place in the Kaua‘i Regional Science and Engineering Fair, participated in the state science and engineering fair alongside 15 other students from various schools on the island. Her project focused on identifying photosynthetic microeukaryotes and Cyanobacteria in the diet of Tilapia in the ‘Alekoko Fishpond using eDNA. The project earned second place in Earth and Environmental Sciences and received three special awards, including scholarships totaling $2,600.

In addition to Longboy’s success, other students from Kaua‘i also received recognition at the state fair. Ashley Chun of Island School took first place in Material Science for her project on using organic mats to clean oil spills. Lauryn Hashimoto from Kaua‘i High School earned a scholarship and a trip to the International Science Fair in 2023. Tanner Miller of Island School received an award from the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, while the team of Kiopaa Hermosura and Kellen Nitta from Kapa‘a Middle School placed third in Earth and Environmental Science.

Overall, the Kaua‘i delegation performed exceptionally well at the state fair, showcasing not only their talent but also their dedication to science and engineering on a global stage.