The St. Elmo Brady STEM Academy held its highly anticipated spring Science Fair on April 6 at Burnet Elementary School, showcasing the innovative projects from the 2023-24 academic year of 34 students from grades 4 to 8.
Rick Greer, a co-founder of the academy, said that attendees — which included the families and guests of the students — were treated to an array of interactive demonstrations.
“A notable highlight of the event was the distribution of completion certificates to all participating students. Notably, fifth-grade students were awarded their white lab coats, generously sponsored by Chevron Phillips Chemical Company (CP Chem), adding a professional touch to their scientific endeavors,” he said.
Elliot W.H. Johnson, CP Chem's Senior Vice President of Environmental, Health, Safety, and Security (EHSS) and Engineering also warmly greeted families and shared insightful remarks that underscored the importance of STEM education and the students' achievements.
In addition to CP Chem, the success of the event was made possible through the generous support of several sponsors. They include the National Science Foundation, Chevron, Kuraray Foundation of America, Inc., the University of Houston Cullen College of Engineering, and the University of Houston Cougar Initiative to Engage (CITE).
“This further emphasizes the collaborative efforts in fostering an informal STEM prorgram and engagement within the community,” Greer said.
The St. Elmo Brady STEM Academy brings together underrepresented youth to expose, engage and empower them to become the next generation of scientists, engineers and mathematicians. Created in 2013 by Greer, a program director, and Jerrod Henderson, an engineering faculty member, the academy introduces students to a variety of STEM topics, from the physics of catapults to the properties of polymers.
For a video recap of this year's event, click here! Click here for a full photo gallery. And check out a past feature on the academy here.