St. Thomas University to Hold First Regional Science Fair

MIAMI, Feb. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Addressing the need for U.S. future scientists and recognizing student scientific leadership, St. Thomas University's School of Science, Technology and Engineering Management will hold its first Regional Science Fair February 25 at its Carnival Cruise Lines Building, inviting high school students from public, private and Catholic schools to participate, have their projects judged, and be eligible to win tech prizes in high demand. Public school buses will be arriving on campus at 8:00 a.m. for setting up the projects and start mingling with faculty and judges.

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The corporate community was also involved as well as high school teachers who have significantly promoted student participation and interest in science. A daylong agenda of informative and stimulating scientific activities for students, which include complimentary roundtrip, chartered bus transportation from schools, breakfast and lunch was planned.  One important aspect is the fact that there are no fees associated with the participation of science projects at the fair.  As early as January 2011, the School partnered with Miami Dade Public School System District One, with Dr. Perla Tabares-Hantman chairing the project, and The Miami Herald, calling on high school students with outstanding science and math talent to enroll in its first Competition. The all-day event features a panel of distinguished businessmen, faculty and other science fellows serving as judges. Student prizes include an iPad, laptops and other gifts that will empower their studies.

Joining the new School of Science Dean, Dr. Wim Steelant, are Navarro Pharmacy's Jose Navarro, a St. Thomas University Trustee. Today Navarro is a 31-store chain with sales in excess of $380,000,000 and is at the top of the industry based on sales productivity standards. Navarro Discount Pharmacies is one of the Top 25 Drug Chains in the Nation (CDR 2008). Healthcare administration veteran, Hialeah Hospital C.E.O. Ralph Aleman, is also integrating the judges' panel.

The Hispanic community in South Florida has been significantly impacted by St. Thomas' Science Fellows Program, which provides funding to qualified minority students in science and math, areas with highly projected job openings. By hosting the St. Thomas University Science Fair, the institution aims to motivate and stimulate the interests of all students in the fields of science, mathematics, and engineering and to recognize outstanding effort and scientific achievement. Miami's Catholic and private university (www.stu.edu) is one of the few to offer scientific research at an undergraduate level, in state-of-the-art labs guided by faculty with publishing experience.

SOURCE St. Thomas University