Awards & Honors

2026 Award Recipients

High School Winners

Grand Champions

Claire & Chloe Lu – Ames

Toward a Circular Life Cycle for PLA: Engineering Microbial Production and Biological Degradation

Our project focuses on improving the sustainability of biodegradable plastics by combining enzyme discovery with microbial engineering. We studied two common bioplastics, polylactic acid (PLA) and polycaprolactone (PCL), which are useful materials but often break down too slowly in natural environments. Using bioinformatics tools, we identified fungal enzymes with the potential to degrade these plastics more efficiently and found several that outperformed previously known enzymes. At the same time, we engineered bacteria to produce lactic acid, the building block of PLA, and optimized production conditions to increase yield. Together, our project supports a circular bioplastics economy by helping create better ways to both break down plastic waste and produce new sustainable materials.

Champion

Asher Reuel – Ames

Is commuting a drag? Effect of E-bike shell design on aerodynamic drag

My project focuses on creating a more sustainable alternative to single-person car commuting by combining the efficiency of a bicycle with the comfort and protection of a car. Traditional commuting by car creates significant carbon emissions, especially when only one person is traveling. To address this, I designed a fully faired, motorized velomobile-style vehicle—an electric recumbent bike with an aerodynamic shell that protects the rider from weather while greatly reducing drag. This design makes short-distance travel more practical, energy-efficient, and comfortable in a variety of conditions. By bridging the gap between bicycles and cars, my project offers a cleaner and smarter transportation option for everyday commuting.

Reserve Champion

Abby Lampe – Algona

Continued Analysis of Piperine: Determining the in Vitro Post-Antimicrobial Effect in Staphylococcus epidermidis with Piperine Incorporation

My project investigates how antibiotic resistance develops in Staphylococcus epidermidis, a common skin bacterium that can cause serious infections when it enters the body through medical devices such as catheters or prosthetic joints. This bacterium can be difficult to treat because it uses efflux pumps, special proteins that remove antibiotics from the cell and reduce their effectiveness. To study this, I tested the antibiotic doxycycline both alone and in combination with piperine, a natural compound found in black pepper, to see if piperine helps the antibiotic work better. Using laboratory methods to measure bacterial growth and recovery after treatment, my project explores whether blocking resistance mechanisms could improve infection treatment. The results are still being analyzed, but this research may help identify new ways to fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Honorable Mention

Morgan Christensen – Madrid

Effects of Avian Influenza (H5N1) on Wild Bird Behavioral Patterns in Iowa

My project investigated how avian influenza (H5N1) may affect wild bird behavior in Iowa by analyzing the relationship between reported outbreaks and bird sightings from 2022 to 2025. I used data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture APHIS database and the eBird database to compare disease detections with patterns in bird activity across the state. Through graphs, charts, and mapping tools, I looked for trends that might show whether outbreaks caused decreases in bird sightings. While the results showed only a minor correlation and did not support my original hypothesis, the project still provides valuable insight into the complex effects of avian influenza on wild bird populations and helps advance ongoing research in this area.

Honorable Mention

Nirmal Melam – Theodore Roosevelt

Large-Scale Virtual Screening, Rational Optimization, and Fragment-Based Drug Design of EZH2 Inhibitors Targeting Glioblastoma Multiforme

My project focuses on developing potential new treatments for Glioblastoma Multiforme, the most common and aggressive form of brain cancer. Glioblastoma is difficult to treat because it grows invasively, contains diverse tumor cells, and is protected by the blood-brain barrier, which blocks many medicines from reaching the tumor. I targeted the EZH2 protein, an important enzyme linked to tumor growth, stem cell maintenance, and treatment resistance. Using computational modeling and virtual drug screening, I analyzed thousands of small molecules to identify compounds that could block EZH2 activity. My results identified several promising drug candidates with strong binding potential and favorable properties, providing a foundation for future research into more effective brain cancer therapies.

Honorable Mention

Caieko Cavan – Des Moines North

Ionic Liquid Assisted DNA Preservation

My project explores how ionic liquids can improve the storage and stability of important biological molecules such as DNA and RNA, which are widely used in medicine and biotechnology, including vaccine development. These molecules normally require cold temperatures because their structure can break down at room temperature, making transport and long-term storage difficult. I investigated whether ionic liquids, special salts that remain liquid at low temperatures, could help preserve DNA under normal conditions. Using multiple laboratory techniques, I tested DNA structure, purity, and function after storage in different ionic liquid systems. My results showed that certain ionic liquids significantly improved DNA stability and thermal resistance, suggesting they could provide a safer and more practical way to store and transport biological materials.

2026 Award Recipients

Junior High Winners

Grand Champion

Aralind Grafton – Central Lee Middle School

Growing Under Pressure: BPA Exposure on Plants

My project investigates how exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA), a common chemical found in plastics and other consumer products, affects plant growth on a smaller scale. Because BPA can enter water sources through industrial runoff and wastewater, it may pose risks to agriculture when contaminated water is used for irrigation. I tested how BPA exposure impacted three crops commonly grown in Iowa—corn, soybeans, and alfalfa—to better understand possible effects on farming, food security, and environmental health. The results showed that BPA reduced growth in all three species, with corn being the most sensitive overall and soybeans showing the greatest effects at higher concentrations. These findings suggest that chemical pollutants like BPA in soil or water could harm crop health, reduce yields, and impact long-term agricultural sustainability.

Champion

Drake Newton – Central Lee Middle School

Footstrike Analysis Using 3-D Printed Insoles: Phase II

My project explores how running speed and foot strike patterns relate to the force placed on the heel, while also testing whether 3-D printed insoles could help reduce injury risk. There are three main foot strike patterns in running, and heel striking has been linked to injuries, but there is limited research on how foot strike affects performance. To study this, I used a pressure sensor connected to an Arduino to measure heel force while running at different speeds and compared a standard insole to four types of 3-D printed insoles. The results showed that insoles made from materials with lower elasticity generally produced less heel force, and faster speeds reduced heel force only in the standard insole. These findings suggest that customized 3-D printed insoles may help improve comfort, guide training, and lower the risk of running-related injuries.

Reserve Champion

Brystol Gerdes – Central Lee Middle School

Expensive VS Cheap Heat Protectors

My project compared different heat protectant products to determine which ones worked best and whether price truly reflects performance. The results showed that Chi 44 Iron Guard provided the best protection, while one of the most expensive options, Kenra Platinum, performed the worst. This demonstrates that higher cost does not always mean higher quality or better results. My project is important because it can help consumers make smarter choices when selecting hair products and avoid assuming the most expensive option is automatically the best. These findings can also apply more broadly to other products designed to protect against heat, such as automotive oils or industrial materials.

Honorable Mention

Dashel Van Oort – Okoboji Middle School

Utilizing Quantitative Mathematics to Select Stock Groups

My project focuses on using investment strategies such as the Kelly Criterion and other financial measures to identify stocks or ETF groups with strong potential and compare their performance to major market indexes like SPY and QQQ. I used TradingView to screen stocks that met specific criteria, then created and tested three custom stock groups. Each group was analyzed and ranked using metrics such as drift, sigma, price-to-earnings ratio, and Kelly Score. I also built an automated spreadsheet that updates stock data using only ticker symbols, making the system efficient and easy to monitor. My project demonstrates how data analysis and mathematical strategies can be used to make more informed investment decisions and evaluate portfolio performance.

2026 SSTFI Winners

2026 Awards Ceremony

April 1, 2026 Professional Awards Ceremony | April 2, 2026 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.