North Hills Science Students Compete, Win Five First Places in Regional Contest

Five students from the earned first place honors in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science regional competition Saturday and will compete in the state competition May 14 at Penn State University.

First Place

• Anna Madrishin, grade 11, Microbiology: “Hand Sanitizers Versus Staphylococcus Aureus”
• Caroline Snyder, grade 9, Microbiology: “Mascara Versus Bacteria”
• Kelsey Toplak, grade 9, Behavioral Science: “Intelligence and Reaction Times”
• Matthew Selzer, grade 9, Behavioral Science: “All Hands on Dexterity”
• Mathew Plazek, grade 9, Physics: “Does BBCOR Really Work?”

Second Place

• Robyn Madrishin, grade 11, Microbiology: “Effects of Fungal Medications on Staphylococcus Epidermidis”
• Marie McConnell, grade 9, Microbiology: “Effectiveness of Water Purification Methods”
• Andrew Nolish, grade 9, Physics: “Effects of Power Filtering on Audio Amplifier Performance”
• Anna Meyers, grade 8, Microbiology: “What Classroom Surface has the Most Bacteria?”

The regional competition took place Saturday at Keystone Oaks High School. Students designed an experiment and were judged on their ability to conduct and convey the results of their experiment using the scientific method.  

“I would like to personally congratulate all of the students, as they worked hard and put in countless hours in completing and practicing their experiments,” said Heather Cobbey, North Hills Junior High science teacher and PJAS sponsor.

PJAS 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.

- Submitted by Tina Vojtko, on behalf of the . Have news you'd like to share with Patch readers? Email information and photos to at amyjo.brown@patch.com .

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