Service Authority Recognizes Local Student Scientists

Service Authority Recognizes Local Student Scientists

The Prince William County Service Authority recently presented awards to 11 middle and high school students from Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park who submitted exceptional water-and wastewater-related entries to the 2024 Prince William-Manassas Regional Science & Engineering Fair. 

Every year, the Service Authority partners with Prince William County Schools to review water- and wastewater-related submissions in the Science & Engineering Fair and recommend outstanding projects for Service Authority Organizational Awards. This year’s student winners received cash prizes and were recognized during the May 9 Service Authority Board of Directors meeting.

Lily Lu, a student at Ronald Reagan Middle School, took home First Place in the Middle Division for the project “The Effect of Different Types of Bivalve Shell Filtration on Stream Water Quality.” Lily’s research evaluated the efficacy of bivalve shell filtration – specifically oysters, clams and mussels – in enhancing stream water quality. 

In the Senior Division, Dylan Borek, Josh Rizer and Izidor Yatsevich of The Governor’s School at Innovation Park were this year’s First Place winners. The trio’s project tested “The Effects of Ocean Acidification and Ultraviolet Radiation on Spirulina major.” 

Michelle Miranda, the Service Authority’s Community Outreach Supervisor noted, "The talent of these young scientists is truly remarkable. We value the dedication, expertise, and hard work invested in each project and are committed to nurturing every student's passion for water quality treatment and environmental stewardship."

Complete List of Winners:

Middle Division

• First Place: Lily Lu, Ronald Reagan Middle School

Project: “The Effect of Different Types of Bivalve Shell Filtration on Stream Water Quality”

• Second Place: Aysha Jafar & Salma Jafar, Ronald Reagan Middle School

Project: “The Effect of Different Microplastic Removal Methods on Microplastics in Dasani Water”

• Third Place: Erin Jansen, The Nokesville School

Project: “When in Drought: Natural Hydrogels as an Alternative Water Resource to Aid Water Retention in Soil”

• General Manager’s Awards: Zoey Davis, Marsteller Middle School

Project: “The Effect of Water Purity on Surface Tension”

Senior Division 

• First Place: Dylan Borek, Josh Rizer & Izidor Yatsevich, The Governor’s School at Innovation Park

     Project: “The Effects of Ocean Acidification and Ultraviolet Radiation on Spirulina major”

• Second Place Andrew Funk & Sofia Wojcik, The Governor’s School at Innovation Park
  
  Project: “Aerogel as a Purifier” 
   
• Third Place Jocelyn Ellis, Osbourn Park High School

      Project: “The Effects of Water Pollution on Aquatic Filtration Plants”

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The Service Authority provides drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 386,000 people in homes, schools and businesses throughout Prince William County.