Tri-state Science and Engineering Fair set for March 9 at USI

The University of Southern Indiana Tri-State Science and Engineering Fair (TSEF) will celebrate its 15th year on Thursday, March 9 in Carter Hall, located in University Center West.  

Over 150 local K-12 students will showcase their science and engineering projects to judges comprised of over 50 USI faculty, staff, and area STEM professionals with an opportunity to receive community recognition, trophies and cash prizes for their achievements. Grand Award Winners will be selected to advance to the Hoosier Science and Engineering Fair in Indianapolis on March 18. There, students will compete for awards and the honor of representing Indiana at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in May.  

“This event has become a staple for the outreach community here at USI. Reflecting on our 15th year at USI, it is wonderful to think about all our past exhibitors—the places they have gone and the impact they have had on our world,” says Dr. Allison Grabert, Director of Southwest Indiana STEM Resource Center. “Occasionally, TSEF alums will reach out or pop in to tell us how their experience so many years ago at the TSEF made an impact in their post-secondary pathways. For us, this is the highest form of compliment.” 

Project categories include animal sciences; behaviors and social sciences; chemistry; earth and environmental sciences; energy (physical and chemical); engineering; mathematics; medicine and health sciences; microbiology and molecular/cellular biology; physics and anatomy; plant sciences; and robotics, computers and systems software. 

See below for the full schedule of events.  

Thursday, March 9 

Noon to 4 p.m. - Participants set up project displays 

4-5 p.m. - Judges’ preview 

5-6 p.m. - Judges' orientation and dinner 

6-8 p.m. - Judging (students at displays) 

Friday, March 10 

9 a.m. to noon - Carter Hall, open for public viewing of projects 

Monday, March 13 

6-7 p.m. - Awards ceremony in the USI Performance Center

For questions or more information, contact Grabert at afgrabert@usi.edu or 812-228-5019.