Burns Students Take Science to the Next Level at Tomoka Regional Fair

Kelly Robinson
2 days ago
3 min read

This past weekend, Burns Sci Tech proudly had 19 students from grades 6 through 12th participate in the Tomoka Regional Science and Engineering Fair, held at Stetson University. This long-standing regional event brings together some of the brightest young minds to showcase their curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills through scientific research and engineering design. Of those 19 students, 17 advanced to the awards ceremony, which took place Tuesday night.

Students arrived on the Stetson campus Friday afternoon to set up their projects and prepare for judging. Early Saturday morning, they returned ready to present their work, answer questions, and share the research they had spent weeks developing. The fair ran from 8:00 am to 2:30 pm and challenged students to clearly explain their ideas, defend their findings, and think critically under questioning from judges. Our students represented Burns with professionalism, confidence, and enthusiasm.

The Tomoka Regional Science and Engineering Fair has a strong history of promoting scientific inquiry and innovation among middle and high school students in our region. The fair encourages students to move beyond textbooks and engage in real-world problem-solving through hands-on research. Projects often require students to identify a problem, conduct background research, design experiments or prototypes, analyze data, and draw meaningful conclusions. These skills mirror the scientific process used in higher education and professional STEM careers, making the experience invaluable for student growth.

Participating in science fair projects helps students build critical thinking, communication, and perseverance. Students learn how to manage long-term projects, respond to feedback, and present their ideas clearly to others. These experiences build confidence and prepare students for future academic challenges, whether in advanced coursework, college programs, or career pathways.

One especially exciting part of this year’s fair was seeing one of our own alumni return in a new role. Amy King, a 2024 Burns graduate and now in her second year at Stetson University, served as a judge for the event. Having our current students interact with a former Burns student who is thriving in college and giving back to the academic community was a powerful and meaningful moment. It allows students to see firsthand what is possible and reinforces that success beyond Burns is attainable. Seeing alumni return as leaders and professionals helps inspire our students and strengthens the connection between where they are now and where they can go next.

Awards Night Highlights

Awards Night for the 2026 Tomoka Regional Science and Engineering Fair was held Tuesday night at Mainland High School, and we could not be prouder of our students’ achievements. Out of the 19 Burns Sci Tech students who participated in this year’s regional fair, 17 earned awards, an incredible accomplishment that speaks to their hard work, dedication, and passion for science and engineering.

Junior Division Special Awards (Middle School)

Marlena Segebarth – United States Air Force Junior Division Award
Vishwa Badheka – Audubon of Volusia Junior Division Award, 2nd Place
Evan Aldridge – Audubon of Volusia Junior Division Award, 1st Place
Connor Albok – Stetson University Junior Division Physics Award
Lyric Yates – Stetson University Junior Division Environmental Science Award
Lyric Yates – Stetson University Junior Division Best of Show President Award
Evan Aldridge – Lemelson Early Inventor Prize

Junior Division Category Awards

Sophia Struble – Animal Sciences, 3rd Place
Lillian Latham – Behavioral and Social Science, 1st Place
Lyric Yates – Earth and Environmental Sciences, 1st Place
Connor Albok – Engineering, Honorable Mention
William Friel – Engineering, 1st Place
Vishwa Badheka – Environmental Engineering, 2nd Place
Evan Aldridge – Environmental Engineering, 1st Place
Marlena Segebarth – Physics and Astronomy, 2nd Place

Senior Division Special Awards (High School)

Adrian Moccia – United States Air Force Senior Division Award
Nicholas Trautman – American Psychological Association Award, 3rd Place
Ian Becher – American Psychological Association Award, 2nd Place
Natalie Chapdelaine – American Psychological Association Award, 1st Place
Garrett Hanes – NASA Earth System Science Senior Division Award
Patrick Clancy – Daytona Beach Chapter of the Florida Engineering Society Award, 3rd Place

Senior Division Category Awards

Lane Simpson – Animal Science, 1st Place
Ian Becher – Behavioral and Social Science, 3rd Place
Nicholas Trautman – Behavioral and Social Science, 2nd Place
Natalie Chapdelaine – Behavioral and Social Science, 1st Place
Garrett Hanes – Chemistry, 3rd Place
Adrian Moccia – Chemistry, 2nd Place
Patrick Clancy – Engineering, 2nd Place
Morgan Cook – Physics and Astronomy, 3rd Place
Mia Chapdelaine – Plant Sciences, 1st Place

Advancing to the Florida State Science Fair

The following Burns Sci Tech students have been invited to compete at the Florida State Science Fair for 2026:

William Friel
Vishwa Badheka
Evan Aldridge
Patrick Clancy

Congratulations to all of our students who represented Burns Sci Tech at the Tomoka Regional Science and Engineering Fair. The level of competition continues to grow each year, and we are incredibly proud of the perseverance, innovation, and professionalism our students demonstrated throughout this process.