Science Education Awards

2011 Committee & Science Award Winners

2011 Committee and Award Winners

Background

Each year, the Science Education Awards are given jointly by the Southwest Foundation Forum and the V.H. McNutt Memorial Foundation. This year marks the 19th anniversary of these awards. The awards are given to area high school science departments in support of new and innovative programs that further the students' interest in and knowledge of science. All high schools in and around San Antonio may submit applications for these science grants. In addition, thanks to the L.D. Ormsby Charitable Foundation, the first 10 applicants will receive a personal stipend of $50.00 for taking the time to apply. In addition, the first 10 applicants whose qualified projects do not place in the top six will receive a $200.00 award for their school’s science program. It really pays to apply early!

$20,000 will be awarded:

  • $7,000 — 1st Place
  • $5,000 — 2nd Place
  • $3,500 — 3rd Place
  • $2,500 — 4th Place
  • $1,500 — 5th Place
  • $500 — Honorable Mention

Selection Process

A committee comprising Texas Biomed scientists, a representative from the V. H. McNutt Memorial Foundation, and Forum volunteers review all of the applications and select the winners. Hands-on science is encouraged and winners' applications usually discuss hypothesis, data collection, results and analysis, and a budget detailing how the grant funds would be used.

Application Process

  • September: Announcement cards sent to districts and high school science coordinators announcing both SWFF Student Tours and Science Education Awards details and criteria with referral to the website for specific criteria, instructions, and application forms.
  • November: Applications mailed to area high schools.
  • February: Applications must be faxed or postmarked on or before February 15, 2012. Late applications will not be considered. The panel meets to review the applications and select the winners.
  • March: Winners will be announced at the Forum Lecture Luncheon on March 28, 2012.

Download the Application

Science Education Award Application (Downloadable PDF file).
For more information, contact Rebecca Rabel at 210-258-9419.

Past Winners/Projects

2011 - 2012 Science Award Winners
1st Ronnie Kirchhof
Samuel Clemens High School 		Can microalgae be produced as a cost effective alternative biofuel?
2nd Marvin Rudd
Byron P. Steele II High School 		Fish farm & hydroponic garden
3rd Robin Howard
STEM RAM Academy
Robert E. Lee High School 		Can purified recombinant proteins from Borrelia burgdorferi be tested and developed into an effective therapy for the treatment of Lyme disease?
4th Jason Nydegger
Keystone School 		Student investigations into digital logic and varying electromagnetics
5th Helen Whisenhunt
Samuel Clemens High School 		Physics First
Hon. Mention Aja Gardner
John Jay Science &
Engineering Academy 		Mini Medical School

Past Science Education Award Winners (PDF file)