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State Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF) of Florida

The State Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF) of Florida STEM Competition is a three-day display of science project exhibits prepared by aspiring scientists and engineers in grades six through twelve. Over 900 aspiring engineers, scientists, and mathematicians across Florida compete in the SSEF STEM Competition. Students have an opportunity to win $1.2 million in awards, prizes, scholarships and internships. Thank you to all students who represented Sarasota County Schools, STEM Fair coordinators who support student research, and community partners for the success at the 68th Annual State Science and Engineering Fair

Mr. Nicholas Cox and Ms. Rylee Mulhollen have been selected to participate in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering (ISEF) STEM Competition in Dallas, Texas May 14th – 19th. 

SSEF Participant 

Category / Project ID 

Project Name 

School 

Awards 

Anja Schwarzbauer 

ANIM-297 

Evaluating the effectiveness of the zophobas atratus superworm as a method of biodegradation for polyethylene and polypropylene plastics using a cyanobacterial 

supplement catalyst. 

Sarasota High  

4th Place Category 

Anna Smith 

BMED-268 

Effectiveness of antibiotics and antioxidants on the inhibition of Escherichia coli K-12 growth. 

Sarasota High  

  1st Place at Regional

Nicholas Cox 

CMBI-269 

Wastewater Treatment Chemicals' Effects on Escherichia coli WP2 pKM101 Mutation & Antibiotic Resistance Genes 

Sarasota High  

2nd Place Category 

  

Regeneration Biomedical Science Award $500 cash 

Anna Davis-Lunardi 

CMBI-302 

Observing the effect of suboptimal temperature on the behavior of Escherichia coli encapsulated inside Hydrogels 

Sarasota High  

Recognition (6th Place Category) 

Jessica Ritchie 

CHEM-295 

The Effect of BPA and Endocrine Disruptor on Phytohormones in Chlorella vulgaris 

Sarasota High  

4th Place Category 

  

Lake Count Regional Science Fair $25 

  

Stockholm Junior Water Prize 

Anika Sackerlotzky  

EAEV-296 

The Effect of Varying Oxybenzone Concentrations on Abscisic Acid Levels in Dunaliella salina 

Sarasota High  

4th Place Category 

  

Tyler Isaacson 

ENEV-270 

Optimization of Paint Formulation for Antifouling Properties 

Sarasota High  

Honorable Mention (5th Place Category) 

  

US Navy Research ($75 cash) 

  

Stockholm Junior Water Prize 

Riley Plank 

ENEV-270 

Optimization of Paint Formulation for Antifouling Properties 

Sarasota High  

Honorable Mention (5th Place Category) 

  

US Navy Research ($75 cash) 

  

Stockholm Junior Water Prize 

Rohan Dash 

MACO-155 

Using Novel AI Detection Systems to Identify Skin  

Abnormalities 

Pine View  

Recognition (6th Place Category) 

Rylee Mulhollen 

MICR-292 

How will the population of human gut microbe Lactobacillus  

fermentum be affected by exposure to the macromolecules: glycerol, zein, and gliadin? 

Sarasota High  

  1st Place at Regional

Zachary Harshman 

BMED-022 

DEVELOPMENT OF A PATCH TO PROTECT CENTRAL LINES  

FROM WATER INTRUSION IN PEDIATRIC CANCER 

PATIENTS 

SSAS 

Recognition (6th Place Category) 

  

Florida Association of Science Teachers (FAST) $50 cash 

Aadi Bhensdadia 

ENGIN-157 

Utilizing 3D Additive Manufacturing to Develop a Biocompatible, Customizable, and Durable Mechanical Aortic 

Valve 

Pine View  

1st Place Category 

  

Best Overall 

  

American Society of Civil Engineers ($200 + Plaque) 

  

Tomorrowland Award ($50 cash)