RSD Students Shine at the 68th Annual Washington State Science & Engineering Fair

The 68th Annual Washington State Science & Engineering Fair (WSSEF) showcased the scientific talent of more than 800 students from across Washington state, culminating in a celebration of innovation, creativity, and discovery.

Isabella Pinto, a senior at Hanford High School, earned the prestigious Grand Champion Silver Medalist title for her project, “How a High-Temperature Superconducting Magnetic Energy Storage System Can Be Implemented in Vehicles as an Exceptionally Eco-Friendly Power Supply.” Pinto has also earned the opportunity to present her work at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Ohio.

Among middle school participants, Samuel Wang, an 8th grader from Enterprise Middle School, was named Best of 8th Grade for his project titled “Sonic Fire Suppression: Multimodal Acoustic Frequency Modulation and Fire Dynamics Analysis.” Wang stood out among the younger competitors for his innovative approach and scientific rigor.

The competition included a wide range of special awards recognizing outstanding student achievements:

First Place Trophy – Grades 9-12

• Prayrona Choudhury (Grade 10, Hanford High School)
• Aashrita Bhamidimarri (Grade 11, Hanford High School)
• Advaitha Motkuri (Grade 12, Richland High School)
• Rohan Nune (Grade 9, Richland High School)
• Isabella Pinto (Grade 12, Hanford High School)
• Sonali Santhosh (Grade 11, Hanford High School)
• Aarav Shrivastava (Grade 9, Richland High School)
• Sydney West (Grade 12, Hanford High School)

Special Awards – Grades 9-12

• Ohio Wesleyan University – Outstanding Achievement in Science Scholarship
  • Sonali Santhosh
  • Isabella Pinto
• Navy League of the U.S. – Bremerton / Olympic Peninsula Council STEM Award
  • Sydney West
• Office of Naval Research – Naval Science Award
  • Sydney West
• Sigma Xi Award
  • Sydney West
• U.S. Army Awards for Outstanding STEM Accomplishments
  • Sydney West
• U.S. Metric Association Award
  • Isabella Pinto
• Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture – Washington State University Scholarship
  • Isabella Pinto
• Washington State Dental Association – Oral Health Award
  • Rohan Nune

First Place Awards – Grades 1-8

• Chloe Custodio (Grade 8, Leona Libby Middle School)
• Suhavi Santhosh (Grade 5, Lewis & Clark Elementary)
• Samuel Wang (Grade 8, Enterprise Middle School

Special Awards – Grades 1-8

• Margaret I. Lugg Young Explorer Award: Samuel Wang and Suhavi Santhosh
• Navy League of the U.S. – Bremerton / Olympic Peninsula Council STEM Award: Samuel Wang
• Office of Naval Research – Junior Division: Samuel Wang
• Medicine and Health Award: Suhavi Santhosh
• Washington State Dental Association Oral Health Award: Suhavi Santhosh

WSSEF continues to serve as a vital platform for Washington's brightest young minds to explore, question, and solve real-world problems through science and engineering. Congratulations to all the participants and winners!