Science Fair Winners

The following students were Honored in 2020 by
the University of Michigan Chapter of Sigma Xi,
the Scientific Research Honor Society
Posters Judged at the March 2020 Science Fair
Cobo Center, Detroit


Letter and some photos from the Science Fair organizers.


JUNIOR DIVISION

Drew Bylow
St. Patrick School, Carleton, MI
Teacher: Maureen Wickenheiser

Non-Eternal Vernal Pools

Grand Award
Click on poster to see larger version

Abstract: Vernal pools are wetlands that fill up annually but typically dry out during part of the year. Vernal pools are important because they can improve water quality by absorbing chemicals and other harmful contaminants into the ground as the pool dries up. These substrates form the bottom of the pool as it reappears. For my project I am testing to determine if there is a change in the composition of the vernal pool between the vernal pool drying up and reappearing. Testing for a variety of synthetic chemicals and heavy metals that can be toxic to wildlife is an important part of water quality monitoring. Important variables I used to monitor water quality include pH, dissolved oxygen, sediment load, nutrient levels such as nitrates and phosphates, and the amount of heavy metals.
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Anita Gaenko and Akshar Cowlagi
Clague Middle School, Ann Arbor, MI
Teacher: Laura Hannaford

Not all that is yellow is turmeric

Grand Award

Abstract [edited]
1. Several new studies have shown that 80% of curcumin (turmeric) supplies and supplements from countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar, Indonesia, India, Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia are highly contaminated with a yellow pigment to boost the color of turmeric roots.

2. The yellow pigment is in fact lead (II) chromate PbCrO4 (also known as chrome yellow and by various other names). As a result, the turmeric powder becomes contaminated by lead, which is neurotoxic, and hexavalent chromium, which is a known carcinogen (cancer causing agent).

3. We plan to research and develop an easy and possibly inexpensive way to detect lead chromate contamination in turmeric so people will not get lead poisoning from consuming the spice.


SENIOR DIVISION

Anirudh Cowlagi
Huron High School, Ann Arbor, MI
Teacher: Andrew Collins

An Efficient Approach to Minor Planet Detection and Characterization
using N-Body Integration and the Probabilistic Hough Line Transform.

Grand Award

Abstract: Advances in the field of planetary science, particularly concerning our own solar system, have been dramatic over the last few decades. These advancements owe largely to developments in observing technology and more comprehensive astronomical surveys across the world. However, with these copious amounts of new data comes a need for more effective methods of analysis. This project offers a solution to the issue by presenting an efficient Python-based approach to aid with the detection, recovery, and characterization of minor planets in the solar system (asteroids, trans-neptunian objects, Kuiper Belt objects, etc.).
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Andrew Yang
Washtenaw International High School, Ypsilanti Township, MI
Teacher: Daniel Giddings

Combinatorial Analysis of Sequential and Cumulative
Win-Probabilities in Randomized Tic-tac-toe Gameplay

First Place

Abstract: This investigation explores and analyzes the logical structure of the well-known Tic-Tac-Toe game by dissecting gameplay, defining player premises, determining the total number of possible conclusive games at each turn, and comparing cumulative win-percentages based on Player X’s first move. The symmetric properties of Tic-Tac-Toe gameplay are utilized to streamline the quantifying process, and the win-probabilities at each turn are also compared to characterize their evolution with game progression. Ultimately, generalized formulas modeling the probability of winning at any turn are extracted and discussed.
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Amanda Xu
Huron High School
Teacher: Andrew Collins

Neural and Genetic Basis of Cold Sensation
in Drosophila Melanogastor

First Place

Rationale: All animals must sense temperature in order to survive. Temperature cues are detected in the nervous system by sensory neurons, and the basics of these mechanisms are largely conserved from invertebrates to humans. The ability for sensory neurons to sense temperatures depends on genes that encode temperature receptors. Temperature receptors include ion channels. At a certain temperature, these channels will open and allow ions/electrical signals to pass through the neuron and send messages throughout the body to respond. While heat sensation has been extensively studied, much less is known about cold sensing. To investigate how organisms sense cold, I plan on using the model organism Drosophila melanogaster, the fruit fly, which shares many conserved genes with vertebrates. For over a century, the study of fruit flies has told us much about humans, including neurobiology and behavior.

Research Question: Do fruit flies sense cold, and if so, how? What are the neurons and genes that mediate cold sensation in Drosophila?


The Chapter has made our annual contribution to the Metro Detroit Science Fair in Cobo Center and we are honoring the winners from local schools.

Unfortunately, because of COVID-19, the Banquet, where we would have had a chance to view these posters, had to be canceled. Our hope and expectation is that the Banquet will be held in April/May 2021.


Other Science Fair Winners

2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
{This one - 2020}