Students are recognized at the regional and state STEM fairs.
Middle and Upper School students passionate about science, technology, engineering, and math rose to the challenge of their science and engineering fair after-school program by designing bold, impactful projects aimed at real-world change. Through inventive thinking and hands-on problem solving, they brought their ideas to life and then proudly presented them at the regional science fair. All students earned awards for their outstanding work at the regional level, and one sixth grader’s project advanced to the state level, showcasing the incredible talent and drive of these student innovators.
State Fair
Congratulations to Amanda Bi ’31 for receiving 4th place in Materials Science at the 2025 California Science & Engineering Fair in April. She was one of 881 participants from 351 schools throughout the state presenting 701 projects. Amanda was invited to the state competition after qualifying with a first-place win at the regional fair. As one of the top Junior Division projects, Amanda was recommended for the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge competition, with results in the fall.
Regional Fair
The 71st Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair was held at the Balboa Park Activity Center in March. All eight students (7 Middle School, 1 Upper School) placed first, second, or third. Four professional society awards* were presented to LJCDS students during the awards ceremony as well. The GSDSEF brings together 800 of the best middle and high school students, over 400 professionals from the science, engineering, and education communities to act as judges, and over 60 professional societies and organizations, with $40k in prizes awarded.
–Junior Division–
Amanda Bi ’31
1st Place for The Flexible, Reusable Sound Insulator (Engineering: Energy, Materials, and Transport)
*Professional Society Award: American Society of Materials International - San Diego Chapter
Mia Bi ’29
3rd Place for Can Pond Water Purify Wastewater? (Earth and Environmental Sciences)
*Professional Society Awards:
San Diego County Water Authority
Association for Women in Science
Oliver Cottrell ’30
2nd Place for Personalized Homework Tutor Robot (Engineering: Electrical, Mechanical, and Robotics)
*Professional Society Award: Armed Forces Communications Electronics Association
Olivia “Ollie” Liu ’31
1st Place for Can Bacteria Fly? (Microbiology) (with Hayden Byun from Solana Pacific)
Jia Melody ’29
1st Place for Which Types of Straws Decompose the Quickest? (Earth and Environmental Sciences)
Wallace Spencer ’30
2nd Place for Shower Dynamo (Engineering: Energy, Materials, and Transport)
Sareena Toor ’30
3rd Place for Effects of Chemicals Found in Perfumes upon Planarian Head/Tail Development (Animal Sciences)
–Senior Division–
Andrea “Andie” Javier ’26
2nd Place for The Effect of Bath Ionic Strength on 4-point Bending Properties of Articular Cartilage (Biomedical/Health Sciences, and Biomedical Engineering)