UNLV hosted the 2023 Nevada Science Olympiad (NVSO) on Saturday, March 25, 2023, inviting middle school and high school students from across the state to compete for a chance to go to the 39th Annual Science Olympiad National Tournament on May 19-20, 2023 in Wichita, Kansas.
As a non-profit organization, the NVSO aims to host exciting competitive tournaments and professional development workshops that showcase innovative science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) content to students and teachers throughout the United States. Specifically, the NVSO team provides support and opportunities to improve the quality of K-12 science education, increase female and minority interest in science, create a technologically-literate workforce, and provide recognition for outstanding achievement by both students and teachers.
During this year’s competition, Nevada students competed in various subject areas including life and social sciences, earth and space science, physical science and chemistry, technology and engineering design, and inquiry and nature of science. To prepare for the 46 individual competitions within these categories, UNLV’s undergraduate and graduate student event supervisors developed competitive events to test competitors' knowledge.
“It was a very unique experience and I loved every moment of it,” says Destini Olsen, an event volunteer and undergraduate student from the School of Nursing. “It was amazing watching all the students give it their all.”
This event showcases UNLV’s commitment to support Nevada’s youth as they pursue future STEM careers. To coordinate the competition, Dr. Sharon Jalene, Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs in the School of Integrated Health Sciences, partnered with undergraduate students, faculty and staff volunteers, and campus partners to create a meaningful program.
“The collaborative response from the UNLV community was so inspiring,” says Jalene. “Over 100 students, faculty, and staff volunteered their time to make this happen.”
This year’s event included opportunities for both parents and students to learn firsthand about all that UNLV has to offer. Attendees toured the campus, learned more about STEM academic programs, heard from admissions counselors, and experienced campus dining. Additionally, attendees participated in a variety of spotlight tours to learn more about UNLV’s Office of Undergraduate Research and its programs and resources, opportunities in the health professions, engineering, and sciences, the Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering, School of Nursing, School of Integrated Health Sciences, School of Public Health, and the Honors College.
“The partnership with NVSO highlights our commitment to STEM education in Nevada's schools,” says Jalene.
The event closed with a virtual awards ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of participants, teachers, and volunteers. View the full Division B (middle school) and Division C (high school) awards ceremony here.