One Thomas County Central High School student has been selected to participate in a national science collaborative and several others placed or received special recognition during the 2015 Georgia Science & Engineering Fair.

The fair was held March 26-28 at the University of Georgia. All students placed first in the ABAC Region Science & Engineering Fair in order to advance to state competition.

“Going to the state science fair gives students a chance to discuss their research with experts,” TCCHS Science Department Head Laura Kornegay said. “It is a great opportunity to share their ideas.  They also get to see what kind of research students from across the state are doing.”

Senior Emily Kornegay was selected as one of two students to represent her state at the National Youth Science Camp.

NYSC, according to the application, “is an elite residential science education program that honors and challenges two graduating high school science students from each state and others from around the world.”

Kornegay submitted an application a week prior to the state science fair, and was selected for an interview held during the event.

“I was surprised,” Emily Kornegay said of her selection to NYSC. “I have worked toward it, but I did not expect to be one of the only two people sent from Georgia. I was thrilled that my work through high school helped me get this honor.”

NYSC participants attend lectures and hands-on seminars conducted by scientists from around the US, and are challenged to explore new scientific areas. For more information, visit the website www.nysc.org.

“I will make sure to stay up-to-date on recent advancements in science that interest me,” Kornegay said of her camp preparation. “I’m sure I will make priceless friendships and connections that will stay with me for a long time.”

Kornegay also received the NOAA Taking the Pulse of the Planet award, and third honors in Environmental Science for her project. The NOAA award recognizes a science fair project that is environmentally conscious.

Kornegay’s  project was “environmentally focused.” It studied the effect of silver nanoparticles on Procambarus fallax.

“I measured the effects by observing how different concentrations of silver nanoparticles affect the aggression level of crayfish over 10 days,” she explained.

Senior Noah Harris was selected as an alternate for NYSC, and received special recognition from Tellus Science Museum for his project.

Harris tested ferrofluid (liquid magnet) to see if it could be used to clean up oil spills, and determined the substance would be very effective on a small scale.

“I am thankful to be selected as an alternate,” Harris said of his honors. “I enjoy the recognition, but I am very excited for those that have been selected.”

Ashlyn Quattlebaum (and her partner, Kaleb Carter) received second place honors in Chemistry. Their project tested four edible food items with four different types of peppers to see which one increased the pH level of the peppers by reducing the acidity level.

“The interviews were difficult, especially since my partner was unable to go,” she said. “So, I was completely shocked about receiving second place.  It is a complete honor to me because I was so glad I represented my school, family and my partner so well.”

A career that involves Chemistry or Science interests Quattlebaum, so her science fair experience gave her a memorable opportunity to learn more about her possible field of study.

“This experience was an amazing learning opportunity and a memorable one as well,” she said. “Thank you to everyone who helped in this process!”

TCCHS student Jacob Hancock received fourth place honors in Energy and Transportation. His project involved testing different substances through an electrical current to determine how much hydrogen could be produced in the shortest amount of time.

“I was really excited to place,” Hancock said. “I saw a lot of great projects at state that were very detailed and well thought through.”

He, too, felt the fair was a positive learning experience.

“At state, I learned stuff I didn’t know about my project from the judges and the general public,” he said.

TCCHS students attended the 2015 Georgia Science & Engineering Fair. Pictured are: (first row, left to right) Emily Kornegay, C’lee Kornegay, Ashlyn Quattlebaum, (back row, left to right) Jacob Hancock, Noah Harris, Jonathan Castillo.