Chester County’s future doctors, engineers, mathematicians, and scientists recently took the stage for the 2017 Chester County Science Research Competition Awards Ceremony.

They were there to celebrate the work of the 585 young scientists who competed in the Chester County Science Research Competition earlier this month, coming together from 31 Chester County schools in grades 4-12.

In addition to exploring their interest in the sciences, students also competed in the hopes of winning a number of awards and recognitions. In grades 6-12, one of these recognitions includes the chance to advance to the Delaware Valley Science Fair, where students have the opportunity to win more than $1 million in college scholarships.

Though the Chester County Science Research Competition project categories are predetermined, the specific topics of the projects are limited only by the interest and imagination of the students. The competition, which is sponsored by CCRES and coordinated by the Chester County Intermediate Unit, was held at the University of Valley Forge in Phoenixville.

Students in grades 6-12 competed in the Lucy Balian Rorke-Adams Fair, and students in grades 4-5 competed in the Jonas Salk Fair.

Topic ideas can be sparked by anything from the desire to find a solution to a household problem to career aspirations in the field of science. And sometimes, from those sparks, a passion for the topic is ignited.

Take the project of Collegium Charter School senior Julianna Ohnjec, who studied the effect of material density on sound insulation. Testing materials that included sand, water, fiberfill, and cork, Julianna found that, while it was the one of the least dense materials, cork was the best at insulating sound. Her study has practical applications, from the recording studio to ensuring a great night of sleep at home.

Downingtown STEM Academy senior Rachana Mudipalli also let her interests guide her research. Five years ago, a nightly news segment about how bacteria adapt to antibiotics caught her attention. Ever since, she has been studying and presenting on the topic, further developing and expanding the study through her continued research and interaction with professionals.

“The science fair really forces you to look at the world around you to see problems and then to see how science can be applied to solve those problems,” said Mudipalli.

Ohnjec’s project won first place in her division and the third place Best of Show award. Mudipalli took home first place in her division as well, and earned the first place Best of Show award.

Click here for a complete list of 2017 award-winners.