On Wednesday, April 5, five Merle-Smith Campus students attended the Delaware Valley Science Fair (DVSF).

The annual competition is a forum for students to display scientific research and engineering projects they have completed, with the purpose of connecting hardworking and inventive young minds with professionals in their fields. During the fair, the competitors were interviewed and their research was evaluated by multiple sets of judges. 

This year, the fair had over 800+ participants from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, and our Upper School students excelled! 

Rayna Malhotra '24 placed 1st in her category of Biochemistry for her project on vascular tissue regeneration through epigenetic therapeutics. She then went on to be awarded the Silver medal for the entire 11th grade and earned herself a trip to the International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF). As one of the 3 selected junior ISEF finalists, Rayna will be given an expense-free trip to the competition in Dallas, Texas this May. In addition, Rayna was honored with the Regeneron Biomedical Science Award from the Society for Science, which recognizes a high school project that demonstrates command of and passion for science, exemplifies traits of a driven thinker, demonstrates flexibility and a continuous learner mindset, embodies traits of an inspiring leader, and embodies a drive to use science for good. Lastly, Rayna was given the Excellence in Cardiovascular and Metabolism Research Award by Janssen Research & Development. Congratulations!

Aadi Deshmukh '26 placed 1st in his category of Environmental Sciences for his project on artificial intelligence to combat invasive species and placed first at the qualifying Lehigh Valley Science Fair (LVSF) as well. Amazing job, Aadi!

Okezue Bell '23 placed 1st in his category of Biochemistry at LVSF and continued by placing 2nd at the DVSF. His project was conducted at the Boston Children's Hospital during his summer at the Research Science Insitute (RSI) and was about gene sequencing. Congratulations, Okezue!

Brian Yang '25 was awarded the winner of the Pennsylvania Council of Professional Geologists Grover H. Emrich Memorial Award. This award recognizes an exemplary project that uses the principles of applied geology (earth science) to research issues relevant to human activity where geological factors play a role. Great work Brian! 

Ryan Paul '24 placed 2nd at both the qualifying Lehigh Valley Science Fair and the Delaware Valley Science Fair. He was in the category of computer science for his research on assisting the visually impaired in the navigation of unfamiliar environments. Congrats!!

We are so proud of our Upper School students who represented Moravian Academy at the fairs this year. Thank you to Mrs. Sheetz for being the adult mentor for the students! Congratulation again to our five students!