By Doyal D'angelo Bolin
At the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair (AzSEF), facilitated by the Arizona Science Center, aspiring scientists transform Arizona State University’s (ASU) Sun Devil Stadium into a showcase of innovation. These young researchers exemplify the spirit of AzSEF, where scientific curiosity converges with potential real-world impact, fostering the next generation of STEM leaders.
Programs like AzSEF are essential in Arizona, which ASU's Arizona STEM Acceleration Project claims has a 1 to 2,158 ratio of physics teachers to students and that high school students enter upper-level science classes at low rates compared to the national average.
The real story of AzSEF unfolds in high school laboratories, on reservation lands, in rural classrooms, and in urban schools across Arizona—anywhere a student wonders "why" and decides to find out. Through support and mentorship, AzSEF transforms curiosity into capability, working to ensure bright young scientists have the chance to pursue their inquiries wherever they lead.
For students K-12, AzSEF can be much more than a competition. It serves as a platform for scientific growth and professional development. The fair brings together top performers from school, homeschool, district, county, and regional science fairs across Arizona, creating a pool of young talent that spans the state's diverse communities. Through a carefully structured program of presentations, judging sessions, and networking events, students develop skills in scientific communication and research methodology.
Beth Nickel, chief academic officer at Arizona Science Center, finds herself astonished by some of the projects she encounters each year at the fair.
At the senior level, students tackle complex challenges like developing artificial intelligence applications for early detection of macular degeneration, or creating robotic gloves that enable individuals with disabilities to type through programmed hand movements.
"The students who come to AzSEF, who make it to that state level science fair, are doing what grad students are doing at the university level," Nickel said.
These projects range from skin cancer detection algorithms to innovative language processing systems. Even elementary-level participants demonstrate remarkable scientific thinking, with one student conducting a systematic investigation into why swimsuit straps lose elasticity more rapidly in summer than winter, showing how scientific inquiry can start with everyday observation.
Regardless of complexity, students must also navigate important ethical considerations. For instance, students who hope to create an inexpensive and easily accessible medical diagnosis tool must acknowledge that they are not physicians and therefore can not provide a medical diagnosis. The tools they develop can be useful as a preliminary screening tool that can encourage individuals to seek medical attention, teaching students about both technical prowess and the limits of their inventions.
"They learn to ask questions, analyze data, and effectively communicate complex ideas, skills that benefit them regardless of their career path." Nickel said.
So how does AzSEF ensure they get all the students that should be there? It’s the organization's commitment to educational equity that shapes every aspect of its operation.
The Burton Family Foundation's support enables crucial initiatives that level the playing field for students across socioeconomic backgrounds. These programs include covering registration fees and bus reimbursements for Title I schools, providing travel vouchers for schools with limited resources, and supporting dedicated teachers with recognition and resources.
"We've got students who have really great ideas and their scientific process is spot on," Nickel notes. "They just don't have access to those same resources, so maybe their research isn't as deep. We're trying to help reduce that gap through mentorship, materials, and support."
Beyond economic assistance, AzSEF creates a supportive ecosystem for emerging scientists. The organization provides professional development sessions for teachers, virtual office hours for project guidance, and support materials to ensure every student can develop their research capabilities. These resources prove valuable for schools in rural areas or for those with limited laboratory facilities.
The fair's structure facilitates meaningful connections between students and STEM professionals. Each project receives evaluation from judges who are active in their respective fields.
Top performers in the AzSEF senior division can progress to the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, where high school students compete against approximately 1,800 other participants from over 70 countries, giving them exposure to international scientific work and peers from around the world. Full university scholarships, awards and internships are given out to students as well. The fair gives out around $9 million in prizes to students a year.
On the lower level, outstanding middle school projects in AzSEF receive nominations to national competitions. These opportunities often lead to university scholarships and research internships.
Connections made at the fair often yield transformative results. For some students, like Vip Sitaraman, who participated in AzSEF from elementary school through high school, the fair opens doors to entirely new career paths. "AzSEF made me aware of opportunities I didn't even know existed," Sitaraman said.
His innovative approach to visual presentation at the fair led to conversations about science communication with judges, eventually inspiring him to launch Draw Science, a platform using infographics to explain complex scientific concepts to the public. The venture grew to reach millions of readers and attracted venture capital funding.
"The long-term benefit of AzSEF for me was the storytelling practice," Vip said. "Getting your reps in, talking about really technical science with a variety of different judges—some professors who understand everything, some engineers from different fields—that experience speaking to people from different backgrounds isn't something you get elsewhere."
Now running his own scientific communication firm and working with biotech startups, Vip returns to AzSEF as a judge and sponsor, creating special awards for students who excel at making complex concepts accessible.
Sky Harper, who grew up in the Four Corners area of Arizona without electricity or running water, found his scientific calling through AzSEF. "AzSEF reaffirmed that I could be a scientist," Harper said. "The judges were supportive and saw potential I hadn't recognized in myself." His success at the fair led to his participation in the International Science Fair, where he earned a full scholarship to Drexel University—one of only eight students selected from over 2,000 international participants.
Harper's trajectory exemplifies how AzSEF's support extends beyond the competition itself. His chemistry project opened doors to prestigious recognitions including the Barry Goldwater Fellowship, Udall Fellowship, and Truman Fellowship. Now conducting advanced research at the Mayo Clinic, Harper continues to give back to the AzSEF community through mentorship and presentations, embodying the program's mission to create sustainable pathways for scientific advancement in Arizona.
"Throughout undergrad, I'd occasionally reach out and ask for support, the Arizona Science Center and AzSEF were always ready to help," Harper said. "Since AzSEF (2019), they've always supported me, reinforcing the importance of networking and keeping in contact."
AzSEF's impact extends beyond the competition floor. Teachers receive Amazon gift cards as recognition for their dedication, and winning educators earn Science on Wheels programs for their classrooms. The organization recently launched an alumni network to track long-term impacts and create mentorship opportunities for current participants.
But ultimately, the journey to the fair floor is the focus.
For more information about the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair, visit the Arizona Science Center website.