Brockport and Brighton High Duo Win Science Congress Competition

Brighton High School student Aelis Spiller, left, and Brockport High School student Laine Ramsay, right, present at the Science Congress. Provided photo

A Brockport High School freshman is a member of the winning team of the 40th Annual Science Congress competition held at St. John Fisher College on March 19, 2017.

The Science Congress, a program sponsored by the Central Western Section of the Science Teachers Association of New York State, is a showcase for student research projects that was developed as a means of stimulating interest and proficiency in science and related fields.  The competition featured students in grades 6-12 from nine different counties.

Brockport freshman Laine Ramsay partnered with Brighton High School freshman Aelis Spiller to conduct research under the supervision of Dr. Rey Sia, professor and chair at The College at Brockport.

The students spent weeks studying how different sugars turn off genes involved in metabolism, then presented their findings and defended their conclusions to a panel of judges. The teams were judged based on their understanding, research methods and ability to communicate.

Laine and Aelis' hard work paid off as they won highest honors, first place overall in the senior high division, cash prizes and an Air Force award for an outstanding project.  Laine also received a St. John Fisher scholarship for a summer class of her choice.

Additionally, the students were invited to the NYS Science Congress in Buffalo on June 3 and the International Genius Olympiad in Oswego June 12-17.