More than 400 middle and high school students across the Silver State showcased their research projects and put their scientific knowledge to the test during the annual Nevada Science Olympiad held at UNLV.
In addition to presenting their projects, some which took months to create, participants had the opportunity to speak with UNLV students and faculty volunteers from different disciplines to learn more about the UNLV experience and the STEM-related programs the university offers.
Students competed in different categories throughout the day; some created robotic cars programmed to navigate a particular track; some built towers meant to support as much weight as possible; and some put their comprehensive skills to work by completing anatomy and physiology exams proctored by UNLV professors.
Tracy Viscosi, president of Nevada Science Olympiad and a UNLV alumna, said the annual event presents a critical opportunity to introduce the state’s young science enthusiasts to their potential futures as UNLV students.
“It also reflects UNLV’s strong commitment to community engagement and K-12 STEM education,” Viscosi said. “The event brings some of Nevada’s most talented young minds to campus, creating a valuable opportunity to inspire future Rebels and showcase the university’s academic strengths.”
Since UNLV began hosting the annual Nevada Science Olympiad competition five years ago, Viscosi, who also teaches at UNLV, said she has noticed a significant increase among student participants as well as UNLV Honors College students enrolling in the service-learning course that supports the Nevada Science Olympiad.
Ryan Ershaghi, a senior at Clark High School, credited his years of competing in Nevada Science Olympiad as a major part of his high school experience.
“It’s where I learned the importance of teamwork, persistence, and leadership,” he said. “I learned to bring ideas to life through countless hours of design and experimentation.”
Ershaghi competed in the bungee drop, air trajectory, and experimental design events during this year’s competition. Each event required a different approach to creating his experiments, which collectively took hundreds of hours to develop.
Preparing the next generation of college students
Nevada Science Olympiad is part of the Young Rebels initiative, which offer dozens of programs across academic disciplines for students in elementary, middle or high school, in a safe and supportive environment.
“The Nevada Science Olympiad is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators through hands-on, inquiry-based STEM experiences and meaningful interactions with industry professionals and college scholars,” said Devan Harris, director of early outreach in UNLV’s office of admissions. “This mission aligns seamlessly with the experiences Young Rebels aims to provide K-12 students on UNLV's campus.”
Sharon Jalene, associate dean of academic and student affairs for the School of Integrated Health Sciences, has worked closely with Nevada Science Olympiad as UNLV’s representative for the past five years. She credited the university-wide assistance from several departments and offices to ensure the event went off without a hitch.
The hope, she said, is that students and their families will keep UNLV at the top of their lists when it’s time to apply for college.
“We also send a UNLV certificate of participation with a letter of thanks for their scrapbooks,” she added. “When it is time to choose a college, these exposures will make a difference.”
After a day of friendly competition, Jalene took comfort in the fact that the middle and high schoolers who participated are all in on science. The Nevada Science Olympiad culminated with a special awards ceremony where winners from both the middle school and high school divisions were honored in each category.
Once their teams were called, the lecture halls erupted with cheers and applause as students descended from their seats to receive their medals.
“The first time I witnessed the awards ceremony, I was filled - literally filled to the tips of my fingers and toes with joy,” Jalene said. “The students cheer for one another in such a supportive way, and it is completely heartfelt. They are just excited to be there.”
