Medomak Valley High School’s Remarkable Performance at the Maine State Science Fair

On Saturday, March 23rd, twenty-six students from Medomak Valley High School in Waldoboro participated in the Maine State Science Fair. Despite switching to a virtual environment at the last minute, students were enthusiastic and engaged in the experience. Each student had a 10-15 minute Zoom interview with their judges.

Competing with approximately 250 students from 24 schools across the state, MVHS students presented their projects. Five projects by MVHS students managed to secure a place in the top three in their respective categories. This impressive feat marks the second year in a row that Medomak students have excelled at the science fair.

Sam Parent received first place in the computer science category for his innovative project that focused on using drones and neural networks to detect crop diseases. Ace Moberly secured second place in the Plant Science (Agriculture) category for his research into using eel waste water as a fertilizer treatment. Lira Puchalski’s animal science project on the effect of carbon dioxide on the ciliary function of blue mussels earned her third place.

Anna Weber and Mikaela Lorentzen won third place in the plant science category for their project to reduce eutrophication through an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus. David Creamer’s project on the effects of blue light on fruit flies took third place in the biological sciences and engineering category. Elisa Stanton received the Reach Award, recognizing promising first-year students, while Anna Posey was offered a scholarship to the University of New England