Awards & Honors

2025 Award Recipients

High School Winners

Grand Champion

Antariksha Sharma- Maharishi

A Colorimetric Lateral Flow Assay to Detect Neurodegeneration from Tears Phase I

My research developed a low-cost, noninvasive test to detect tau proteins—key biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease—using tear fluid and molecularly imprinted polymers instead of antibodies. By incorporating these polymers into colorimetric lateral flow strips, the study offers a promising alternative to traditional, invasive diagnostic methods, with potential for widespread, early detection in underserved populations.

Champion

Benjamin Lothamer – Mid-Prairie Homeschool Assistance Program

Design and Development of an Adaptable Gear Based Myo-electric Robotic Prosthetic Hand Using Additive Manufacturing and Novel Visco-Elastic Material

My project focuses on creating a more accessible, cost-effective upper-limb prosthetic using 3D printing, off-the-shelf parts, and a passthrough gear system that enables seven grip patterns. By integrating brushless servo-motors for finger control and addressing common issues like vibration with visco-elastic materials, it offers a functional, low-cost solution that reduces wait times and enhances usability for diverse users.

Reserve Champion

Shanza Sami – Iowa City West

SPECO: A Multiparametric Methane Detection and Mitigation System Using Quantum Long Short-term Memory and Sonophotoelectrochemical Oxidation

My project introduces SPECO, a dual-stage system combining quantum-enhanced neural networks and sonophotoelectrochemical oxidation to monitor and reduce methane (CH₄) emissions. By using QLSTM for accurate hotspot prediction and ultrasound-boosted CH₄ oxidation for energy production, the system offers a real-time, effective solution for mitigating methane’s global impact. SPECO’s innovative design addresses both detection and reduction, with potential for large-scale environmental and energy applications.

Honorable Mention

Maribelle Zirkel – Keokuk

The Investigation of the Effects of Muslin on Bilirubin to Aid in Curing Jaundice (Phase 3)

My experiment tested whether undyed muslin cloth allows sufficient light to break down bilirubin during phototherapy while keeping patients safe. Results showed that muslin permitted enough light to reduce bilirubin to undetectable levels, supporting its potential use as a protective yet effective material in jaundice treatment.

Honorable Mention

Trent Hefner – Maharishi

Empathy Powered Pairing

This project developed a data-driven mentor-mentee matching system that connects trauma-exposed youth with mentors who share similar lived experiences, aiming to foster emotional growth and resilience. Early findings show that trauma-informed mentorship improves trust, engagement, and well-being, with plans to expand the program using AI-powered analysis and scalable implementation strategies.

Honorable Mention

Ritvik Gupta – Johnston

10-fold More Protein Production with TOM: Transformer Neural Network Optimization of mRNA – Global Impact by enabling Cheaper Pharmaceuticals, Scalable Environmental Solutions, and Accelerated Biotechnological Innovation

This project introduces TOM, a deep learning model designed to boost custom protein production by optimizing mRNA structures at critical translation sites. By increasing protein yields tenfold, TOM has the potential to revolutionize biotech by making life-saving treatments and sustainable solutions more accessible and affordable worldwide.

2025 Award Recipients

Junior High Winners

Grand Champion

Drake Newton – Central Lee Middle School

Footstrike Analysis Using A 3-D Printed Insole

My project explored the relationship between running speed and heel-strike force using a 3D-printed insole and a FlexiForce sensor connected to an Arduino. Findings suggest that faster running reduces heel-strike force and that 3D-printed insoles may benefit injury-prone runners by absorbing more impact at lower speeds.

Champion

Lily Jacobs & Zoey Jones – Central Lee Middle School

No Fly Ash, No Problem

Our project tested lime and silica sand as eco-friendly replacements for fly ash in concrete. While fly ash remained the strongest overall, silica sand showed increased strength over time, especially at 14 and 28 days. Findings suggest silica sand could be a promising long-term alternative, helping reduce environmental impact and potentially lowering concrete costs.

Reserve Champion

Jadyn Steinmeyer – Timothy Christian

What Everyday Drink Discolors Teeth the Most?

This experiment tested how different drinks affect tooth discoloration using eggs as a model. Results showed that more acidic drinks—like grape juice, Dr. Pepper, Gatorade, and coffee—caused the most staining, while water and milk had little to no effect. Brushing with toothpaste helped reduce discoloration, confirming that acidic drinks stain teeth and that proper dental care can minimize the impact.

2025 SSTFI Winners

2025 Awards Ceremony

March 27, 2025 Special Awards Ceremony | March 28, 2025 Grand Award ceremony

The State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa Grand Awards Ceremony is the celebration of a year’s worth of science research, learning and discovery for over 630 students exhibiting over 550 projects from more than 65 junior and senior high schools that span the state of Iowa.

This program honors the top science fair projects by awarding certificates, medallions, prizes, scholarships, and all expense paid trips to the top projects to attend the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF)

Watch the Ceremonies Live!

We will be live streaming the awards ceremonies from our YouTube Channel. After, we will post the videos on this page, so you can relive the ceremonies.

Recent Hall of Fame Inductee

Stith Wiggs

2024 Honoree

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Stith, an Agricultural Specialist at Iowa State University, is a dedicated volunteer judge at the State Science Technology Fair of Iowa since his freshman year at Iowa State University in 2005. He remains passionate about judging Junior High projects, which he believes lay the foundation for students’ science education. Stith finds fulfillment in encouraging students’ development of foundational science and technology skills through judging. His commitment to fostering young scientists’ growth and learning is recognized as he joins the SSTFI class of 2024 Hall of Fame.

Jody Larson

2024 Honoree

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Jody has been a cornerstone in planning and executing SSTFI events, showcasing her expertise and dedication to the program’s success for more than 2 decades. Her extensive background in event management, including involvement in hosting national games and managing displays at large-scale exhibitions, has been pivotal in orchestrating the various aspects of SSTFI. Jody’s unwavering commitment to excellence, honed through diverse experiences culminate in her well-deserved induction into the State Science & Technology Fair of Iowa Hall of Fame.

Mike Hovey

2024 Honoree

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Mike has been an integral part of SSTFI events for over 20 years, ensuring their smooth execution behind the scenes. As the ISU Production Coordinator, his meticulous attention to detail and dedication make him indispensable to the success of SSTFI and other events at Iowa State University. From overseeing technical aspects to providing support whenever needed, Mike’s contributions embody the spirit of excellence and professionalism, deserving recognition in the SSTFI Hall of Fame.