St. Thomas University to Host First Elementary Schools Science and Engineering Fair

MIAMI, Dec. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following its commitment to engage students in the sciences and address the nation's critical shortage of future scientists, St. Thomas University's Office of Sponsored Research and Programs – led by Dr. Jeffrey Pickens and Susan Buzzi – is sponsoring and developing a science and engineering competition for nineteen elementary schools in the City of Miami Gardens. The innovative program was spearheaded by City of Miami Gardens Councilman David Williams Jr. (Seat 5) and calls for each elementary school to hold the competition for the top five finalists by Friday, December 9, 2011.

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A limousine will be provided by St. Thomas University to pick up the five finalists from each school Monday, December 12. Following breakfast in the state-of-the-art Carnival School of Science building (16401 NW 37 Avenue), each student will be asked to present and defend his/her project before a scientist and graduate student. The University will return students to schools following lunch on campus and a tight 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. schedule.

Miami Gardens elementary school students were the only ones eligible to participate in this year's event. December 13, the University sponsors the Science and Engineering Fair ceremony at Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Center Complex, 3000 NW 199 Street in Miami Gardens from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m.

St. Thomas University is already positioning the Catholic, private School as a leader in science and math, offering undergraduate students the ability to conduct scientific research next to faculty members who have published outstanding work. Its Science and Math Fellows program started in August 2008, accepting 30 freshmen and 30 juniors who transferred with an associate degree. A 2 + 2 Bachelors in Science degree (offered jointly with the University of Miami) is also offering full scholarships to qualified students. During the 3rd and 4th year, students experience a variety of clinical settings such as Jackson Memorial Medical Center, the Miami-Dade County Health Department and other area hospitals. For further information, Professor John Abdirkin may be contacted at 305.628.6503 or at [email protected].

SOURCE St. Thomas University