Roghani’s project highlighted the presence of various types of microplastics in stormwater samples and emphasized the importance of accurate assessment and pollution control measures in water. This included investigating the current standard laboratory methods used in evaluating microplastics and determining their level of significant contribution to the contamination of collected samples.
Roghani started working on his project last summer and conducted his research at the TTU Maddox Engineering Research Center under the tutelage of Professor Danny Reible. He stated that his interest in science and the opportunity to earn scholarships influenced his decision to enter the fair.
“I have always been fascinated by scientific research and have had previous experiences with poster presentations,” said Roghani. “Also, as a high school senior in search of scholarship money, I wanted to compete for scholarship money offered in the later stages of the competition.”
After his success at the regional science and engineering fair, Roghani earned his spot at the Texas Science & Engineering Fair held at Texas A&M from March 22-23.
The state fair includes over 20 categories spanning across engineering, biological sciences and physical sciences. Winning high school entries advance to compete in the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).
The Fair plays an important role in the lives and future careers of many students as they learn the critical thinking skills that are necessary to thrive in any field. The science fair is more than creating a science project, it is a complete educational process.
Below are the awards Aryan Roghani earned at the South Plains Regions Science and Engineering Fair:
SPECIAL AWARDS:
- Water Environment Association of Texas & Texas Section of the American Water Works 1st Place Award of Excellence
- Stockholm Junior Water Prize Regional Water Prize Award ($100) & Qualification for the Texas Stockholm Junior Water Prize (SJWP) competition.
- Texas Tech University Environmental Toxicology Excellent Project Award
- Whitacre College of Engineering $1000 Scholarship Award
FAIR AWARDS:
- South Plains Regional Science & Engineering Fair (SPRSEF) 1st place Environmental Engineering
- SPRSEF Physical Division 12th grade 2nd place
- SPRSEF Senior Division (9th - 12th grade) Physical Category 2nd Place