Hanford & Richland High Students Sweep Top Awards At Regional Science Fair

Two Hanford High School juniors and a Richland High School sophomore will have the opportunity to present their scientific research at the international level after winning Grand Prizes at the Mid-Columbia Regional Science & Engineering Fair.

Juniors Nikhita Bontha and Daniel Li and Richland High School sophomore Anika Halappanavar took the top prizes at this year’s virtual event with their work on improving fuel cell technology, the risk of other animals contracting and spreading COVID-19 and how misinformation about COVID-19 is propagated. They received cash prizes and will be invited to present their research at the International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF) later this year, which will be held virtually.

Hear Nikhita Discuss Her Research

Hear Daniel Discuss His Research

Hear Anika Discuss Her Research

The following RSD middle and high school students also earned awards at this year’s regional fair in their respective categories.

First Place

• Owen Rothwell, Libby, Grade 6
• Navaj Nune, Libby, Grade 8

Second Place

• Ananya Gubba, Enterprise, Grade 7
• Ethan Gotthold, Richland Virtual School, Grade 8
• Augustin Dularoy, HHS, Senior Division (Grades 10-12)

Third Place

• Emily Hanks, Carmichael, Grade 6
• Lily Stout, Chief Joseph, Grade 6
• Srithan Thallapally, Libby, Grade 7
• Mariposa Fulsom, Carmichael, Grade 8
• Advaitha Motkuri, Libby, Grade 8
• Jenna Barger, RHS, Senior Division (Grades 10-12)
• Sankar Harilal, HHS, Senior Division (Grades 10-12)

Honorable Mention

• Lillian Fulsom, Carmichael, Grade 6
• Taha Haque, Carmichael, Grade 7
• Alyhs Willette, Carmichael, Grade 7
• Sheila Dehkordi, Carmichael, Grade 8
• Emma Miller, Chief Joseph, Grade 8
• Isabelle Vetter, Carmichael, Grade 8