The fair highlighted student projects across STEM, science robotics and engineering. (photo courtesy of BHUSD)

Beverly Hills Unified School District hosted its ninth annual Secondary Science and Engineering Fair on Jan. 15 at Beverly Vista Middle School. The event welcomed student participants from grades 6-12 and was sponsored by the Beverly Hills Education Foundation.

This year’s fair featured more than 100 students presenting innovative projects across a wide range of STEM, science, robotics and engineering disciplines. Students demonstrated exceptional curiosity, creativity and problem-solving skills, reflecting the district’s commitment to rigorous, hands-on learning experiences that inspire future scientists, engineers and innovators.

Following judging, awards were presented to outstanding projects in each grade level:

Grade 6 – first place, Aaron Barbakow, aerodynamics; second place, Theodore Benyamin and Connor Anvar, sushi worms; third place, Kerri McCallum and Ana Morales De Borba, senses;

Grade 7 – first place, Luka Pelangia, titanium oxidizing; second place, Kaden Mokhtarian, measuring empathy. Grade 8 – first place, Shakya Liyanage, effects of music on academic performance; second place, Nayun Kim and Celine Naim, cat litter effectiveness; third place, Audrey Rosenfeld and Suri Dardashti, genetic mutation MODY.

High school – first place, Piotr Brozda, drone propellers; second place, Shahrzad Dardashti and Evelyn Kruger, power poles; third place, Emily Song and Arianna Matcuk, ocean acidification.

“Events like the Secondary Science and Engineering Fair showcase the extraordinary talent and curiosity of our students,” BHUSD Assistant Superintendent Dustin Seemann said. “We are grateful to the Beverly Hills Education Foundation for their continued partnership and support, and to our teachers and families for encouraging students to explore, question and innovate.”

For information, visit bhusd.org.