Students at Bangor High School are making the final preparations for the upcoming Maine State Science Fair, which will take place on March 29 at the University of New England. This year, the event has shifted to an online format due to anticipated winter weather in Southern Maine. On Friday morning, students diligently practiced their presentations, focusing on the intricate details that could make a significant difference in their ability to convey their research effectively.
The Maine State Science Fair is an annual event organized by the Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance and The Jackson Laboratory. This prestigious fair provides students across the state with a vital platform to showcase their innovative research and scientific achievements. It draws participants from numerous schools, fostering a spirit of inquiry and encouraging the next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators. At the fair, participants will present their work to a panel of judges that includes scientists, educators, and industry experts, with opportunities to earn recognition, prizes, and academic scholarships.
One standout participant from Bangor High is senior Brandon Nguyen, who recently received the Outstanding Poster Presentation Award at the Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (New England Northern Regional) held at the University of Maine in Orono. Brandon’s project, titled “A Soft-Flexible Exoskeleton Soft Glove for Motor-Impaired Patients in the Hand,” exemplifies the creativity and dedication of Bangor High's students. His innovative design aims to assist patients with impaired hand movement using pneumatic actuators, illustrating a practical application of STEM research that could greatly benefit rehabilitation technology.
Brandon’s journey involved approximately six months of dedicated research, culminating in his presentation alongside students from other Northeastern states, including Vermont and New Hampshire. Under the mentorship of Dr. Stewart in the STEM Academy, he developed his project as part of the STEM Capstone course. Additionally, he honed his public speaking skills in Mr. Sanders’s Early College Public Speaking course, emphasizing the importance of effective communication in his academic journey.
Reflecting on his experiences, Brandon noted the transformative impact of his education: “After this science fair presentation and the mock interview unit in the public speaking class, my experience in conveying myself during these situations completely changed. I found it easier to navigate conversations. Public speaking has taught me real-life skills that have helped me tremendously outside of school.”
As the students prepare for the Maine State Science Fair, their commitment and hard work continue to shine through. Bangor High School is proud to support its talented young scientists and looks forward to seeing how their innovative projects will spark interest and conversation in the field of science. Congratulations to all participants, and best of luck in showcasing their remarkable research at the fair!
