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Meredith College Awarded Inspiring Innovation in Student Research Awards

The North Carolina Science and Engineering Fair (NCSEF) presented Meredith College with three Inspiring Innovation in Student Research awards in recognition for its 15 years as host of the NCSEF statewide finals. Meredith has hosted the NCSEF statewide finals from 2003-17.

“As a nonprofit, the degree and amount of in-kind services from Meredith College to provide the needed space, tables, and all logistical support for such an event is profound,” said Tom Williams, NCSEF board member and past president. “Meredith College and Dean Wolfinger (and a larger contingent of Meredith College colleagues) have meant everything to the NCSEF the past 15 years.”

The NCSEF is an affiliate of the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Participants for the NCSEF are students in third through 12th grade who are chosen at regional fairs. Selected winners from the statewide finals advance to the international fair. The 2017 North Carolina Science and Engineering Fair was held March 24-25, 2017 at Meredith College.

President Jo Allen, ’80, was presented with the Inspiring Innovation in Student Research award by Liz Wolfinger, dean of the School of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, on behalf of the College for her support and contributions to innovation.

“This is truly a special award—one I proudly share with all of Meredith’s faculty and staff who have worked so hard to provide a meaningful opportunity to honor these young people and their mentors who so enthusiastically guide them in the ways of science,” said Allen.

Wolfinger was presented with an Inspiring Innovation in Student Research award for her outstanding leadership, personal involvement, and collaboration with NCSEF from 2003-17. She is a current member of the North Carolina Science and Engineering Foundation, a nonprofit entity that supports NCSEF, and has served as chair and past president.

“Meredith College and Dean Wolfinger brought a whole set of skills to the table to make the NCSEF a well-defined and continuously improving event for the 1,500 plus attendees from the students, parents, teachers, judges and volunteers who are on campus for the NCSEF,” said Williams. “This has set a new standard for how the NCSEF operates.”

The School of Natural and Mathematical Sciences was presented with the Inspiring Innovation in Student Research award for its outstanding support and facilitation as a NCSEF host for the past 15 years. Hosting the NCSEF has been a team effort from Wolfinger, Walda Powell, professor of chemistry, physics and geoscience, Manley Midgett, instructor of education and geoscience, and years of Meredith College student volunteers.

“Meredith prides herself on inspiring young people to create, solve problems, and reflect on meaningful next steps,” said Allen. “As they see the connections between science and the greatest issues of our time, we enjoy the opportunity to see their minds at work as they demonstrate their capacity to put their thinking into well-designed and well-defended projects.”

Melyssa Allen

News Director
316 Johnson Hall
(919) 760-8087
Fax: (919) 760-8330

allenme@meredith.edu