59th Hawaii State Science and Engineering Fair Winners

Judging for the 59th Science and Engineering Fair occurred at the Hawaii Convention Center on March 29th. Ms. Jordie Ocenar conducted this year’s Agency judging for the Hawaiian Entomlogical Society. The winners were as follows:


2nd Place, Junior Research Division

Summer O. Royal, Ciena A.S. Swafford, and Jasmine M. Chan; Stevenson Middle (7th Grade)

Project Title: Spray Bye Bye Lice

Mr. Malcolm Cogbill (Teacher)

Ms. Bryanna Fissori (Mentor)

They researched a spray to kill ukus which they obtained through an ad on Craig’s List.


1st Place, Junior Research Division

Megan M. Nakamoto; Waiakea Intermediate School (7th Grade)

Project Title: Caterpillar Cravings: A Study of the Food Preferences of the Noctuidae Agrotis Caterpillar on Mauna Kea

Ms. Candice L. Ota (Teacher)

Dr. Jesse Eiben (Mentor)

This is the fourth year a Nakamoto has worked with Jesse to win a science fair award! This year Ms. Nakamoto investigated different lures and food for the Agrotis caterpillar.


The Ray-Joyce Award in Medical and Veterinary Entomology

Anna V. Freitas; Iolani School

Determining the population density and distribution of Aedes albopictus

Mr. Frederick W. Heyler (Teacher)

Dr. Durrell D. Kapan (Mentor)

Ms. Freitas completed a mosquito survey on Oahu and compared it to a niche model to determine changes in time.  Also, developed an easy way for citizens to get involved and keep the project running at her school so people can keep track of mosquitos that cause diseases.


1st Place, Senior Research Division

Brandon R. I. Miyake and Lester H. C. Iwata; Waiakea High School

Project Title: Viability and optimal application of Beauveria bassiana bioinsecticide on the eradication of Chaetanaphothrips ochidii infestations on anthuriums

Whitney Aragaki (Teacher)

Dr. Robert Hollingsworth (Mentor)

They Tested different concentrations of Beauveria bassiana on anthuriums to get rid of thrips.

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