KNOXVILLE, Tn.—Monday, March 30, 2020— The Southern Appalachian Science and Engineering Fair (SASEF) is typically held at Thompson Boling Arena during the first week of April. However, due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, this year we are hosting the regional science fair on a virtual platform. Students were invited to virtually present their research covering a variety of categories in STEM through Zoom, a video communication platform. Students will compete in two divisions – Junior Division for middle school students, grades 6 – 8, and Senior Division for high school students, grades 9 – 12.
Even with constant cancellations in the community in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the SASEF Board of Directors and their co-partners wanted to ensure that the students involved would have the opportunity to present their original research to a panel of scientists and engineers from The University of Tennessee, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and local science- and engineering-based firms. Students presenting in this virtual science fair compete for a chance to win cash prizes and awards from local companies and national corporations and groups. The virtual judging will take place on Tuesday, March 31.
“SASEF has been operating since 1952 and we did not want 2020 to be the first year we were not able to hold the fair. The students have worked hard on their projects and we wanted to give them the opportunity to share their results with scientists and engineers. We appreciate the work of the staff on the Pre-College Research Excellence Programs at UT and their willingness to move the event online. They have been an exceptional partner for us,” Dr. Kimberly Gwinn, SASEF Board Member and Fair Director.
“We wanted to continue with the event, both to add some normalcy for the kids but also allow them to share the research they have been working so hard on. We have received encouraging feedback from both the students and teachers on our decision to continue with the event”, Dr. Marisa Moazen, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Engagement and Director, Office of Undergraduate Research.
The SASEF winners will be announced on Wednesday, April 8 during our Live Awards Stream. Winners receive SASEF awards and Local Award prizes from $20-$500. They also receive category and topic-based prizes from national organizations and local companies.
In a typical year, SASEF sends the first and second place Senior Division winners to the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (Regeneron ISEF). Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, Regeneron ISEF has canceled this year’s fair.
For more information about the Southern Appalachian Science and Engineering Fair (SASEF), visit https://sasef.utk.edu/.