Three Shady Side Academy Senior School students earned First Awards for their research projects at the 2022 Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) State Competition, held Tuesday, May 16, at Penn State University.

Earning First Awards were:

• Junior Emma Gardner in Earth and Space for An Analysis of Type II Supernovas in Various Galaxy Types
• Junior Smrithi Shyam in Botany for The Effects of Phthalates on Plant Growth and Reproduction
• Sophomore Sophia Sandholm in Computer Science for Differentiating Dolphin Calls Using Artificial Intelligence

In addition, Shyam earned a perfect score and the Director's Award for Senior High Excellence in Botany.

These students earned a spot to compete at the state level based on their strong showing at the regional competition in February. They were among approximately 3,000 of the best and brightest science students from Pennsylvania's 12 separate PJAS regions.

The Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science is a statewide organization of junior and senior high school students designed to stimulate and promote interest in science among its members through the development of research projects and investigations.

Congratulations to the students and their PJAS faculty sponsor, Senior School science teacher Heather Fani!