Four local students named winners of Environmental Science Award

Ohio University's Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service, in partnership with AEP Ohio’s American Electric Power Foundation, presented four students from Southeast Ohio with the annual Environmental Science Award at the Ohio Academy of Science (OAS) annual Regional Science Day at Ohio University.

Each student’s project received the top Superior rating at the regional level, then went on to the State Science Fair competition, where each garnered a Superior rating as well.

The winners of the Environmental Science Award

Ian Flemming

Ian Flemming, a sixth grade student from Unioto Elementary, for Does Water Level Affect Hydro Energy Production?

Emilie Wright

Emilie Wright, an eighth grade  student at St. Mary’s, for Lithium's Lies and Sodium's Solution

Norah House

Norah House, an eighth grade student from Athens Middle School, for Acid Mine Drainage Remediation Effects on Soybean Growth

Allison Payton

Allison Payton, a junior at Zane Trace High School, for Water Bottles and UV Rays

“There were so many tremendous projects this year, more than ever,” says Jen Bowman, director of environmental programs at the Voinovich School. “It was extremely difficult to pick just four.”

In 2024, the AEP Foundation renewed funding at the $100,000 level for the Voinovich School’s STEM Program for Appalachian Ohio, which allows the school to continue supporting education in numerous regional schools.

Upcoming events include a STEM day in Zanesville, summer STEM camps in Vinton and Pike County, and special events hosted by the public libraries in Pike and Scioto counties.