Nixon High School student to attend INTEL Science Fair
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Apr 1, 2012, 0 Comments
Courtesy Maribel Valdez,
(Laredo, Tx)- Since winning in her first science fair at Milton Elementary School with her “The Amazing Egg”, Alyssa Benavides has been dreaming of pursuing a career in the medical field. Benavides, now a junior at Nixon High School, is one step closer to her dream as she will compete in the 2012 INTEL International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Pittsburg Pennsylvania from May 13-18.
The premier global science competition is the world’s largest international pre-college science competition which annually provides a forum for students in grades 9–12 to display and present their independent research. The Intel ISEF unites these top young scientific minds, showcasing their talent on an international stage, enabling them to submit their work to judging by doctoral level scientists—and providing the opportunity to compete for over $4 million in prizes and scholarships.
For the past year Benavides, has spent all of her free time at school working on her science fair project. In fact, sometimes she would be in the science lab room during her lunch time and any other spare time she had. “I’m very excited. I didn’t expect it,” said Benavides. “I worked really hard all year on my project so I could attend the INTEL Fair and help pursue my dream of attending Baylor University and attaining a medical degree and career.”
According to her sponsor Eduardo Lopez, Nixon High School Science Chair, last year Alyssa participated in the LISD Science Fair and didn’t even place. This year due to her tenacity and exceptional performance at the LISD Secondary Science Fair, she was named Grand Champion and will join more than 1,500 high school students from 65 countries, regions, and territories to display their independent research at the 2012 INTEL ISEF.
While in Pittsburgh, Benavides, along with the next generation of innovators and scientist, will display her individual science project entitled, “The Biological Effect of Mobile Phone Radiation on the Reproductive Capacity of the Drosophila melanogaster.” Alyssa explains that her project focused on the Electromagnetic Radiation from common mobile phones, which has been reported to cause many biological effects on whole organisms. The aim of the project was to confirm if non-modulated radiation from a cell phone would have an effect on the reproductive capacity, of the Drosophila melanogaster (commonly known as fruit fly). After conducting twenty-four trials with eight different distances of exposure, Alyssa concluded that the radiated groups showed a significant decline in the reproductive capacity in comparison to the non radiated.
Alyssa project consisted of five binders with data, charts, colorful visuals, all mounted on a large tri-fold, as well as a computer. She will get to show off her scientific expertise against competitors from all over the world. She will get an opportunity to view the science projects turned in by the top students and will spend time honing her skills while attending lectures given by Nobel Prize winners. “I look forward to seeing all the other projects from around the world and I’m eager to meet all the students that will be attending the INTEL Fair.” “I would like to thank my sponsor Mr. Eduardo Lopez for always being there for me when I needed something and Nixon High for purchasing the materials I needed,” expressed Benavides. “I am also very excited to represent LISD at the INTEL IESF.”
“We are extremely proud of all of Alyssa’s accomplishments. She is a shining star not only for Nixon High School, but for Laredo ISD as well,” said Lopez. “Competing at this Science Fair is an experience that Alyssa will remember for the rest of her life. There is no doubt that she will continue to be a leader in our school and the community in the very near future.”
