The annual Quinte Regional Science and Technology Fair (QRSTF), held on Saturday at St. Theresa Catholic Secondary, has been celebrated as an amazing success, showcasing the scientific talent of local students. The event drew over 80 enthusiastic participants who presented nearly seventy diverse and compelling projects, transforming the school into a hub of innovation and discovery. Students from across the Quinte region delved into a wide array of scientific disciplines, from environmental studies and engineering challenges to health sciences and computational thinking. Each project was a verification to the students’ curiosity, hard work, and dedication to exploring the world around them. The fair provided an invaluable platform for young scientists to present their scientific findings, engage with judges, and spark conversations about the future of science and technology.
The top projects of the day were as follows: (Best in Fair)
•Junior Division:
401, Ethan Guan, Play with Clay, Save the Bay!, Bayside Public School, Grade: 4
Intermediate Division:
705, Charlotte Guan, Carbon Buster: A Novel Prototype to Reduce Carbon Emissions from Exhaust Systems, Bayside Secondary School, Grade: 7
•Senior Division:
11.01 Surya Narayan Santhakumar Grade 11- VisionIQ: A Novel Multi-Model AI Approach for Visual Impairment – – East Side Secondary School
A major highlight of this year’s fair was the selection of five exceptional students who have earned the prestigious opportunity to compete at the Canada-Wide Science Fair (CWSF). These talented individuals will represent the Quinte region on a national stage, showcasing their groundbreaking research and ingenuity against top young scientists from across the country. The national competition is set to take place in Edmonton this May, promising an exciting challenge and further recognition for these budding innovators.
Canada-wide Science Fair Finalists:
Emily Esperanzate, The Estrogen Effect: Modelling the Impact of Soy-Derived Phytoestrogens on Eukaryotic Cell Growth, Nicholson Catholic College, Grade: 12
Surya Narayan Santhakumar Grade 11- VisionIQ: A Novel Multi-Model AI Approach for Visual Impairment
Eli Poyner, , Helping Hands: Modular Prosthetic Hands Designed for Global Accessibility, Eastside Secondary School, Grade: 9
ALICIA ZHANG, Filtering Our Future: How Biochar Could Clean the Bay of Quinte, Home Schooled, Grade: 7
Charlotte Guan, Carbon Buster: A Novel Prototype to Reduce Carbon Emissions from Exhaust Systems, Bayside Secondary School, Grade: 7
For those interested in reviewing the full scope of achievements from the fair, the complete awards script, detailing all winners and special recognitions, has been made available online. The success of the Quinte Regional Science and Technology Fair underscores the strong commitment to STEM education in the region and continues to inspire the next generation of scientific leaders.
