The University of Florida Thompson Earth Systems Institute’s Scientist in Every Florida School Program (SEFS) was proud to present Sarah Jiang, an 11th grader at Cape Coral High School, with the first-ever SEFS Outstanding Science Communicator Award at the 63rd annual Thomas Alva Edison Kiwanis Regional Science and Engineering Fair.

Jiang’s project was in the Earth and Environmental Sciences category. She was selected for this award based on her excellent ability to communicate her experimental design and project results to the fair judges.

“Talking about my research project is the most amazing feeling because I get the opportunity to introduce others to my findings. This award particularly recognizes my work and it gives an amazing feeling of getting awarded for the efforts that I put in,” Jiang said.

“It gives me encouragement to pursue future endeavors. I appreciate your dedication to making opportunities like this available to students like me.”

Stephanie Killingsworth, K-12 education and outreach coordinator for SEFS said this award is meant to encourage students to not only focus on the science, but also on how they communicate their findings, something directly in line with SEFS mission.

“Communication is key to the mission of SEFS, and we are very excited to continue this award into the future,” Killingsworth said.

The mission of the SEFS program is to build long-term collaborative relationships between teachers and scientists, better integrate current scientific research and big data into classroom lessons that adhere to Florida Sunshine State Standards, and connect a scientist with every school in the state. To learn more, visit: https://www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu/earth-systems/scientist-in-every-florida-school/