STLACS nurtures young local science talent

The St Louis Section of the American Chemical Society annually judges chemistry-related projects at area science fairs and promotes the budding young talents in elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools by awarding and recognizing their effort. Each year, awards are given to students who demonstrate excellence in the conception, design, and presentation of a chemistry project at science fairs.

The Section has been doing this for many years: most recently, under the direction and organization of GSM Sundaram, who took over from Sheryl Loux when she moved to Michigan a couple of years ago.

The awards this past Spring, and what followed, were particularly remarkable and rewarding to us in return. Sundaram received several communications from awardees, indicating how important the recognition was to them.

Jeffrey Dai won recognition for his project at both the general and the Honors science fairs sponsored by the Saint Louis Academy of Sciences. He wrote the following to Sundaram: “I would like to formally thank you for giving me your award at the Academy of Science St. Louis Honors Division Science Fair. It really means a lot to me because I’m honored that professionals from your society saw enough potential in my project to give me this award.”

Another awardee, Margie Lodes, feels thankful for our support: “Thank You for the Science Center membership, we will put it to good use! I chose my project to bring awareness to the issue of Micro plastics, and your support means a lot.”

STLACS plays a huge role in the career paths of the young talents who participate in science fairs, by constantly encouraging their outstanding work.