Plano Independent School District (ISD) students showcased their talents at the Texas Science and Engineering Fair (TXSEF) in College Station. Over 1,200 students competed in various scientific categories from March 22-23, 2024, with 13 students from Plano ISD earning 23 awards and distinctions.
Prisha Bhat from Plano East Senior High School won the ‘Best in the State of Texas’ award in life science, senior division, for her project on aqua-arsenic remediation. Her innovative methods demonstrated improved plant tolerance to drought and arsenic contamination.
Eleven senior division students from Plano ISD secured top positions in their categories, earning spots at the Governor’s Science and Technology Champions Academy. One junior division student also placed first in their category and has been nominated to apply to the Thermo Fisher Science Junior Innovators Challenge.
Two seniors from Plano ISD qualified for the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), alongside seven qualifiers from the Dallas Regional Science and Engineering Fair. They will present their projects globally in Dallas, Texas, from May 12 to 17, 2024.
Several special awards were presented at the fair. Hiruni Wansapura from Robinson Middle School received the ‘Engineers of Tomorrow Award,’ while Andy Qin from Plano West Senior High School was honored with the Samsung Award for his project in systems software. Faizan Zaki achieved success in the Dallas Regional Spelling Bee for the third time and will represent his school and district at the National Scripps Spelling Bee. He will compete against other spellers nationwide during May 28 to May 30, 2024
