Back to August 2006 Releases
8/09/2006
Gov. Sanford Congratulates NGA Science Fair Winners
Governor Meets with Three Young Scientists from South Carolina at NGA Conference
Columbia, S.C. - Gov. Mark Sanford today extended his congratulations to each of the National Governors Association high school science fair winners from across the country, specifically recognizing the three students from South Carolina who represented the state during the event.
During the past weekend's conference, the NGA hosted 13 young scientists from across the country to display their projects to the nation's governors and the 1,000-plus NGA attendees in Charleston. On Sunday afternoon, students joined Governor Sanford and other governors for a panel discussion featuring some of the nation's top scientists, about the importance of attracting more students to science-related careers.
"During the discussions at the NGA and when you look at US students' overall scores on science assessments compared to the rest of the world, it's never been more clear as to the importance of strong science education when it comes to our ability to compete with the rest of the world," Gov. Sanford said. "These students, their parents and their teachers deserve real credit for recognizing the value of focusing on science in terms of us continuing to lead the world in innovation and technology."
Gov. Sanford met with and viewed the science projects of the following three students representing South Carolina at the NGA:
- Graham Van Schaik, 16, Columbia, Spring Valley High School - Graham's project focused on the effects of certain pesticides on the multiplication of human cells resulting in breast cancer. [picture above]
- Eric Steinecke, 19, Spartanburg, Spartanburg High School - Eric's project tested the anti-bacterial properties of dandelions on colonies of the bacteria E. coli.
- Hieu Huu "Tony" Tran, 17, Greenville, Southside High School
- Tony's project explored the possibility of improving radio telescope technology by modifying individual wave receivers to work together on an interconnected basis.
