Edition 12

Apr 2026

Welcome to your MSEF Insider! March and April have been a busy and inspiring time for the MSEF community.

With regional fairs wrapping up across Massachusetts and the High School State Fair bringing students together in Worcester, we’ve seen firsthand the impact of months of student-driven research coming to life.

Thank you to everyone who played a part—as a judge, educator, volunteer, parent or supporter. This work is only possible because of you.

In this issue:

• High School State Fair highlights 

• Meet our 2026 ISEF cohort 

• Celebrating our teacher award winners 

• New Clark University scholarship 

• Middle School Fair – May 9 (join us!)

A day of impact

Together:

• 425 students
• 332 projects
• 268 judges

The energy across the DCU Center was incredible!!

We’re especially thankful to our Title Sponsor, Amazon, whose support makes this experience possible. In opening remarks, Jerome Smith, Amazon's Head of Community Affairs for New England and Canada, reminded students that their ideas matter and that they are already doing meaningful work.

We were also honored to hear from Pedro Martinez, Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, who spoke to the importance of experiences like science fair in building skills, confidence, and future opportunity.

More than a competition

In between judging and the awards ceremony, students heard from MSEF alumni. This was a powerful reminder of where this experience can lead.

Congratulations to our 2026 Sanofi Grand Prize winner:

Kornkanya Charoensiddhi — Wellesley High School

Kornkanya's project, "Phospholipid Deletion Alters Lipid Metabolism, Growth, and Stress Response in Mycobacterium smegmatis”, explores new ways to better understand and potentially treat tuberculosis.

👉 See full recognition post

👉 View 2026 High School Awardees

👉 View Scholarship & Society Awardees

We’re proud to recognize all the outstanding educators who partner with MSEF to bring authentic, student-driven STEM learning into their classrooms. This ever growing community reached well over 300 this academic year!

These teachers are doing more than supporting projects, they are expanding access to science fair programming and ensuring that students of all backgrounds have the opportunity to engage in independent research, build confidence, and see themselves in STEM.

We are proud to celebrate this year’s three outstanding High School Educator Award recipients, whose leadership, dedication, and belief in student‑led learning make an extraordinary impact every day.

The Student Support Award goes to Kristen Styspeck of Westfield Technical Academy.

Learn more about Ms. Styspeck's impact.

Mass Academy's Kevin Crowthers received the Learning Connections Award.

Learn more about Mr. Crowthers' impact.

Alex Hatzberger of North Attleboro High School received the Program Leadership Award.

Learn more about Mr. Hatzberger's impact.

New Scholarship Opportunity

This is more than an award—it’s expanded access to opportunity, helping ensure that talented, motivated students can continue their STEM journeys and see a clear path from their research to their future. Thank you, Clark University!!

Thank You High School State Fair Judges!

By the numbers

• 268 judges
• 30% first-time
• 20% returning (1–2 times)
• 50% veteran judges
• 100% found the experience gratifying
• 100% would recommend it

What judges shared

One message came through clearly: it’s the students who make this experience so meaningful.

Judges spoke about the energy, curiosity, and creativity students bring, and the joy of engaging with young people who are passionate about their work.

Many described the day as inspiring and energizing. A powerful reminder of the potential of the next generation.

Advice for future judges

Just as important was the opportunity to give back.

Judges reflected on the impact of simply listening, asking thoughtful questions, and offering encouragement at a formative moment. The experience goes beyond evaluation. It is about helping students build confidence and see themselves in STEM.

For those considering judging in the future, the advice is simple:

• Focus on the students.
• Be curious.
• Be supportive.

Even a brief interaction can make a lasting difference.

And for some students, the journey continues…

We’re proud to announce that 16 Massachusetts students have earned the opportunity to advance to the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).



This cohort reflects the breadth of our state, with students representing public, vocational, and independent schools across urban, suburban, and rural communities.

Their projects span an extraordinary range of fields, from biomedical research and disease detection to artificial intelligence, engineering, and environmental science.

They are tackling real-world challenges including Parkinson’s disease, tuberculosis, neurodegenerative and mental health conditions, as well as issues like microplastic pollution, recycling, and public safety.

They now have the opportunity to share this work on a global stage, alongside peers from around the world!!

📍 Phoenix, Arizona

📅 May 9–15, 2026

Looking to keep the momentum going this summer? Our educational partners are offering programs that help students dive deeper into STEM, build new skills, and explore their interests.

The excitement continues! Our Middle School State Science & Engineering Fair will take place on May 9, bringing together students from nearly 100 towns and cities across Massachusetts—from Pittsfield and North Adams to Boston and Worcester, and many communities in between—to present their research and take their next steps as scientists and engineers.

We’re grateful to Cabot Corporation, our Title Sponsor, for their longstanding support in making this experience possible.

There’s still time to get involved. If you’re interested in serving as a judge, we’d love to have you join us for a truly inspiring day.

👉 Learn more & sign up to be a judge here!

Because of the generosity of our partners, MSEF supports educators and students across Massachusetts year-round, making authentic, independent scientific research possible for thousands of students.

MSEF is more than a competition. Our Getting Science Fair Ready programming is a year-long learning experience where students build critical thinking, creativity, and confidence through student-led hands-on research.

Thank you to all of the organizations you see below, we couldn’t do this work without you!!

We are always seeking additional sponsors to help us expand this work.

👉 View Sponsorship Opportunities here.

Thank you for being part of the MSEF community!

Follow us on LinkedIn as we head into our Middle School State Fair and continue to celebrate student research across Massachusetts.

With gratitude,

Sarah

Sarah Thomas

Development Director

sthomas@scifair.com

What did the thermometer say to the graduated cylinder?



You may have graduated, but I have more degrees!

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Advancing science and engineering literacy since 1949, the Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair (MSEF) was founded by the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, MIT professors, and a group of pioneering K-12 science educators. 

Today MSEF is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. EIN (04-2707499)