Four Shady Side Academy students competed in the Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair (PRSEF) at Heinz Field on March 31, with three students winning awards for their projects.

Two Senior School students competed in the PRSEF Senior Division (grades 9-12). Sophomore Shreya Gulati won eight awards for her project AMD-Analysis of Mine Drainage, including three sponsor awards from the Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh, Braskem America and the Pittsburgh Geological Society; an affiliated sponsor award – the US Stockholm Junior Water Prize from the Water Environment Federation; two scholarships from Carnegie Mellon University and St. Francis University; the Junior Scientist Perseverance Award; and fourth place in the Chemistry category.

Freshman Feno Monaco won the American Society for Quality award for his project, Yogurtalicious.

Two SSA Middle School students, seventh grader Marnie McCormack and eighth grader Nora Navid, competed in the Junior Division for grades 6-8. Navid's project, Polling Polinators, received a Sustainable Development sponsor award from Ricoh. In addition, she received a first place award in the Intermediate Earth/Space/Environment Category. McCormack's project was titled Weed Killers vs. Ladybugs.

The PRSEF competition is open to students in grades 6-12 from the 26 counties within Western Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Maryland. Learn more at www.scitechfestival.org.

The Senior School students were sponsored by science faculty member Heather Fani, while the Middle School students were sponsored by science faculty members Matt Brunner, Bonnie Maxwell and John Matia.

Congratulations to all!