Gonzales LSMSA students compete in Science Fair

NATCHITOCHES– More than 150 students at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts participated in the annual Science Fair sponsored by the Department of Science held on Tuesday, Dec. 1, in the school gym.

Awards were presented in chemistry, physics, ecology and biology.

“The Science Fair introduces students to the process and fun of science research and allows them to participate in a science competition,” said Dr. Maggie Hodge, chair of the department.

First place in chemistry went to Claire Leming and Alexis Angelle. Their project was “What’s in Your Coffee?” Second place went to Kerry Doyle. Her project was “Got Casein?” Elizabeth Long and MyChel Robinson and Veronica Sturman tied for third place. Long’s project was “Pb or not Pb” and Robinson’s and Sturman’s project was “Harnessing the Hidden Power of Poop.”

In physics, Danni Yang won for best university research for her project “X-ray Diffraction.” First place in physics went to Lerroy Mwaghore, Isabela Walkin and Lewis Johnson. Their project was “Projecting the Position of a Spring Pendulum.”

Ecology winner was Bailey Dixon. Her project was “Novel Stimuli Learning in Flatworms.” Second place went to Trey Speights for “Effect of Permethrin-based Insecticide on Amphipod Survivorship.” Jack Dalton placed third with “Hungry Birds at All Times of Day.”

Biology winners were Layna Auzenne, Xavier Banks and Bryson Landry. Their project was “Energy in Food: A Measure of Energy Content in Original Special K and Original Cheerios.” Jacob Lonon, Hayden Fanning and Kathleen Barrios placed second with “Cheez-its or Wheat Thins.” Third place went to Ivy Harris, Jade Gardner, Samantha Wright and Alexis Parson for “Energy Content of Whole Wheat Pasta vs. Regular Pasta.”

Each of the winners is now eligible to compete in the regional science fair to be held in the spring.

Science fair winners included Elizabeth Long, a junior from Natchitoches; MyChel Robinson, a senior from Mansura; Veronica Sturman, a sophomore from Natchitoches; Kerry Doyle, a sophomore from Eros; Claire Leming, a junior from St. Francisville; Alexis Angelle, a junior from Arnaudville; Danni Yang, a senior from Alexandria; Lerroy Mwaghore, a senior from Luling; Isabela Walkin, a senior from Lake Charles; Lewis Johnson, a junior from Baton Rouge; Jack Dalton, a senior from Lafayette; Trey Speights, a senior from Lake Charles; Bailey Dixon, a senior from Zachary; Ivy Harris, a sophomore from St. Francisville; Jade Gardner, a sophomore from Deville; Samantha Wright, a sophomore from Crowley, Alexis Parsons, a sophomore from Maurice; Jacob Lonon, a sophomore from Athens; Hayden Fanning, a sophomore from Haynesville; Kathleen Barrios, a sophomore from Houma; Layna Auzenne, a sophomore from Opelousas, Xavier Banks, a sophomore from New Iberia; and Bryson Landry, a sophomore from Franklin.

For more information about the Department of Science at LSMSA call Dr. Maggie Hodge, chair, at 318-357-2550 or e-mail her atmhodge@lsmsa.edu. For more information about LSMSA call 1-800-259-3713 or visit www.LSMSA.edu.