UTICA, NY (March 19, 2026) – For more information and media interviews, please contact Professor Sarah Keesom at smkeesom@utica.edu
Scientific knowledge drives the world forward, and at the steering wheel are an ever-growing and changing roster of bright minds and great thinkers. The newest generation of great scientists will gather on March 21 as middle and high school students throughout the region converge for the 47th Annual Utica University Regional Science Fair.
The fair will be held in the Utica University Donohue Concourse, located underneath the Frank Gannett Library, on Saturday, March 21, 2025.
The Utica University Regional Science Fair was established in 1978 with the twin goals of enhancing the region’s K-12 math and science programs and stimulating increased attention and interest in student learning in math and science.
This science congress embodies these goals in presenting a forum wherein talented students may demonstrate this enthusiasm and interest in science. Many individuals have spent long hours planning, soliciting support and interest, and bringing to fruition the day’s events to which guests are invited to enjoy. “We are thrilled to welcome to campus this year’s participants in the Utica University Regional Science Fair,” said Associate Professor of Biology and Regional Science Fair Director Dr. Sarah Keesom. “Experiences such as this can play a pivotal role in inspiring students to become life-long learners. By hosting this science fair each year, we seek to encourage the next generation of scientists to stay curious, passionate, and motivated in the pursuit of new knowledge.”
The exhibition is closed to the public from 8 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. while judges evaluate participants and their entries.
All levels of competition will be evaluated during the course of the event. For judging purposes, the Senior Level (grades 9-12) and the Junior Level (grades 7-8) will each be divided into three categories: Physical Science, Natural Science, and Math/ Computer Science/Engineering.
Student projects are evaluated independently by two judges with awards given for first through fourth place in the three categories in each division. The project in each division with the highest overall score after three independent evaluations is awarded the Grand Championship.
Projects are also simultaneously judged for discipline-specific special awards supported by professional organizations, governmental agencies, and a number of generous individuals.
Science fair judges are local individuals who volunteer their time, with some judges having participated for more than two decades. Judges include faculty from Utica University, Hamilton College, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Herkimer County Community College, and Mohawk Valley Community College; engineers and personnel from local technology and research industries; medical professionals; and civilian and military staff members of the Information Directorate of the Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome, NY.
The Utica University Regional Science Fair is affiliated with and sanctioned by the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), the governing body for science fairs since 1980.
The Senior Level Grand Champion will be invited to compete in the 2026 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix, Arizona from May 9-15, 2026. Utica University will sponsor one contestant and a chaperone to participate in that event.
Beginning at 12:30 pm., parents/guardians, friends, and judges are invited to Macfarlane Auditorium for the Sally Lachut Majka ’61 and Donald Majka presentation of certificates, ribbons, and medals to 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th prize winners.
At 1 p.m. the general public is invited to the exhibit area in the Donohue Concourse for demonstrations, followed by the Sally Lachut Majka ’61 and Donald Majka awards ceremony in the Concourse at 2 p.m. and the announcement of Grand Champions, Runner-up, and Special Awards recipients.
Welcoming Remarks and Recognition of Special Guests will be delivered by Regional Science Fair Director and Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Sarah Keesom, with additional remarks throughout the day by Dean of Natural Sciences and Mathematics Dr. Sharon Wise and remarks by Utica University Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Ann Damiano.
About Utica University – Founded in 1946, Utica is a comprehensive, private institution offering bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees. The University, located in Central New York, is approximately 90 miles west of Albany and 50 miles east of Syracuse. Utica currently enrolls some 2,900 undergraduate students in 40+ majors and 40+ minors, plus another 1,200 graduate students. Student to faculty ratio is 14:1. The University operates satellite locations in New York State and Florida. For more information, please visit www.utica.edu.
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