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ONR Hosts Science Showdown for Top High School Students

For Immediate Release: Apr 28, 2011

By Katherine H. Crawford, Office of Naval Research

ARLINGTON, Va.—In a contest of scientific know-how, 240 high school students are facing off for academic scholarships and international exposure at the 49th National Junior Science & Humanities Symposium (JSHS) on April 27-May 1 in San Diego.

Sponsored by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) and the Space and Naval Warfare Center, JSHS represents the culmination of 48 regional challenges nationwide. Contenders qualified to compete by presenting original scientific research papers at 48 regional symposia nationwide.

“The Junior Science and Humanities Symposium exposes students to technical research and its associated career paths,” said Dr. Kam Ng, deputy director of research for ONR. “We’re challenging students to present and defend their hypotheses, which are important facets of the scientific process.”

Students will present their research results in competitive sessions as part of participation criteria. Judges will select 24 finalists for significant military-sponsored awards, including undergraduate scholarships, and participation in the London International Youth Science Forum, which takes place July 27-Aug. 10 at London University.

ONR’s involvement underscores the Navy’s goal of rebuilding the scientific workforce to counter the declining number of U.S. students pursuing science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) degrees. To sustain the country’s position as a technology leader, ONR is working with academia, industry and the research community to enrich science education with engaging and interactive curricula, tools and programs. The initiative is a key focus of the 2011 Naval STEM Forum, scheduled June 15-16, 2011, in Alexandria, Va.

“Educational outreach events like JSHS provide an inroad to the public classroom where we can generate interest in the sciences at an earlier age,” Ng said. “We want to encourage students into the STEM disciplines, continue to pique their scientific curiosity as they mature and eventually welcome them into the Navy’s research community.”

Participants will be joined by approximately 100 adult leaders, high school teachers, university faculty and military guests.

ONR’s exhibit is located at Booth 910 at The Westin Gaslamp Quarter hotel in San Diego.

For more information on the Navy’s STEM initiative:

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About the Office of Naval Research

The Department of the Navy’s Office of Naval Research provides the science and technology necessary to maintain the Navy and Marine Corps’ technological advantage. Through its affiliates, ONR is a leader in science and technology with engagement in 50 states, 55 countries, 634 institutions of higher learning and nonprofit institutions, and more than 960 industry partners. ONR, through its commands, including headquarters, ONR Global and the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, D.C., employs more than 3,800 people, comprising uniformed, civilian and contract personnel.