UC's Science & Engineering Expo Seeks UC Sponsors

Dear Colleagues:
 
Could your organizational unit sponsor an award or scholarship for an area junior-high or high-school student at this year's science fair? Participating departments would benefit in these ways:

• Recruiting top-notch student talent from the surrounding five counties
• Helping UC achieve the goals of UC|21
• Encouraging young scientists to pursue careers in science, math or engineering

Last April, the University of Cincinnati hosted the 2005 Science and Engineering Expo (SEE), the first of what we hope to be many successful UC science fairs that can enable students to compete at the State Science Day that is sponsored by the Ohio Academy of Science. More than 250 students participated in individual and team exhibits representing grades 7–12 in 32 schools across a five-county area: Hamilton, Butler, Warren, Clermont and Preble. More than 65 projects qualified to go to the state competition, where over $1.5 million was given away in awards and scholarships.
 
At the 2005 Expo, 93 awards, prizes and scholarships totaling over $13,000 were given away by sponsors from both outside and within the university. Last year, the Department of Physics awarded two $1,000 scholarships to students for their exceptional projects in physics. Already this year, the Colleges of Engineering and Applied Science have donated $12,000 worth of scholarships, and the departments of Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Geology and Chemistry have each donated two $1,000 scholarships. (Such scholarships can be restricted to students who enroll at UC as majors in the awarding unit.) We have also received commitments for over $2,000 worth of awards from the Southwest Center for Science and Mathematics Excellence and the Office of Research.
 
Overwhelmingly, participating students, parents and teachers exuded praise for UC in their feedback after the fair. Even people who had some familiarity with our university were overwhelmed by the physical changes, enthusiastic people and exciting atmosphere that UC now has to offer.
 
This year’s Science and Engineering Expo will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2006. In addition to being affiliated with the State Science Day, this Expo will mark the first time that UC is also affiliated with the prestigious Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) as well as the Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge.

Up to three projects from our fair may be entered in the ISEF, being held this year in Indianapolis in May, where the students will compete for numerous awards and scholarships. Along with a chaperone, those students will have all expenses for the trip to that fair paid by UC.
 
Even though many within UC have already stepped up, we would like to challenge all of the remaining departments and units at UC to consider funding a scholarship, award or other prize that you feel is appropriate. Awards need not be monetary in nature. Many aspiring researchers, scientists, mathematicians or engineers might value spending a day with us on campus in one of our labs, for example. (Some of their teachers might like to join them!) Perhaps your organization could help sponsor the trip to ISEF.
 
Please consider how your unit could participate in this life-changing experience for the area’s youth. If you are interested in sponsoring any scholarships, awards or prizes please contact Jon Breiner (513-556-0713). Also, please visit the Science and Engineering Expo Web site early and often!
 
Thank you for your help. We are looking forward to making this year’s Science and Engineering Expo even better than the last one!
 
Sincerely,
 
Jonathan Breiner
Associate Professor, Chemistry
Chair, Special Awards Sub-Committee
 
 
Anthony J. Perzigian
Senior Vice President and Provost
for Baccalaureate and Graduate Education
 
SEE U @ UC!