By Ingrid Rojo-Olguin
On Thursday, March 3, Pueblo students took the short trip to the Tucson Convention Center to present their science projects. This year, 28 students represented Pueblo, exceeding the number of students who have participated in previous years. Also, Pueblo sent more students than any other high school in Southern Arizona this year.
In contrast, just three Pueblo students participated in this event in 2011; and, just three PHS students participated in SARSEF between 1994 and 2010.
Students presented their projects, explaining to the judges the details of their hard work.
Biotechnology teacher Dr. Andrew Lettes said, “I saw many animated conversations that my students were having. It was clear that they were enjoying themselves. I am so proud of our biotech students.”
Three research teams were recognized for their excellence work on Saturday, March 5, held the Tucson Convention Center at 7 p.m.
The following seven biotech Warriors were recognized at the conference.
Seniors Ciera Monique Carrillo and Christian Antonio Castro Arredondo placed for their project entitled: “Can creosote be developed as a pre-emergent as measured by its effect on Arabidopsis root growth”.
Senior Shaira Flores Perez and junior Shaila Rios won for their project, “The role of the R4D9 gene on the sensitivity of saccharomyces cerevisiae to ultraviolet illumination”.
Senior Ingrid Olguin and juniors Alexander Eugene Ross and Adnan Maitham Taleb also placed for the project, “The effect of Nordihydroguaiaretic Acid on the antibacterial activities of homemade soap”.
Later in the month, on March 31, six Pueblo students attended the HOSA State Competition at the La Paloma Resort and on April 1, three of them were recognized for their excellence, and—no fooling—they won first place in the “Medical Innovations” category.
The HOSA State Competition is a student organization for future health care professionals. Students’ medical innovation was a continuation of their Science Fair Project (SARSEF); they developed a creosote-based soap for both home and hospital use, and this earned them first place in the category of “Medical Innovations”.
Alexander Ross said, “The HOSA competition was one of the most fulfilling experiences of my high school years. Hard work and determination definitely pay off. With the help of Dr. Lettes and my teammates, the judges recognized us for an innovation that could improve hospitals’ safety and hygiene for years to come.”
Dr. Lettes said, “It was a pleasure to see the judges understand the value of this project. Pueblo students did an excellent job.”
Three students, Alexander Ross, Adnan Taleb and Ingrid Olguin plan to attend the HOSA International Leadership Conference in Nashville, TN this summer, from June 22-25.
Taleb said, “Being surrounded by successful individuals and professionals—and having them judge your work—has been a tremendous in clearing the path to achievement and success.”