NDA Science Research Students Take Top Awards at Regional Science Fair


The tradition of excellence in S.T.E.M. fields continues at Notre Dame Academy!


Notre Dame Academy (NDA) science research students had an outstanding performance at the Science and Engineering Fair of Northern Kentucky (SEFNK) on Saturday, February 27. NDA sophomore Natalie Janzaruk won the “Best of Fair” award and an opportunity to attend the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in May. Under the direction of Mr. Bill Stamm, all of NDA’s Science Research students competing at SEFNK did an excellent job and will advance to the Kentucky Science & Engineering Fair (KY-SEF) March 26-27. 

At Notre Dame Academy, Science Research is an elective course that  focuses on individual science research projects in the areas of mathematics, natural science, engineering, computer science and behavioral science. NDA’s Science Research students prepare a formal research proposal and complete and present original research. Students from every grade level can apply for NDA’s Science Research course and must complete a minimum of 144 hours of original research each year that they participate. 

“Notre Dame Academy has had a long tradition of success in STEM related areas,” said NDA Principal Mr. Jack VonHandorf. “At NDA, we believe that the study of science is important not only in its factual content, but also in its method and philosophy. Through our Science Research Program, students learn principles of logic, hypothesis testing and other methods of reasoning leading to strong critical thinking and problem solving skills.”

NDA Science Research students won many category and special awards as listed below.

Natalie Janzaruk – Class of 2023
The Effect of Wrapping Space on Pressure Required for Bending in Fiber Reinforced Soft Actuators
Best of Fair – Advances to ISEF
1st Place Overall – Physical Sciences
1st Place Engineering: Materials and Bioengineering
Yale Science and Engineering Award

Ana Kothandram – Class of 2022
The Impact of Herbicides and Fungicides on Eisenia fetida
1st Place Overall – Life Sciences
1st Place Environmental Sciences
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Award
Thomas More University Scholarship ($25,000)

Hailey Fullenkamp – Class of 2023
Dilutions of Disinfectants Effect on the Development of Bacteria Resistance
2nd Place – Life Sciences
1st Place Microbiology

Bella Marita – Class of 2023
Effects of Lead on Liquids with Different pH Levels
1st Place Environmental Management
US Stockholm Junior Water Prize
Thomas More University Scholarship ($25,000)

Anna Meade – Class of 2023
Effect of Exposure Time and Distance of UVC light on E-coli
1st Place Medicine and Health Sciences
Mu Alpha Theta Award

Clare Shay – Class of 2024
Peppermint and Concentration
1st Place Behavioral and Social Sciences

Kennedy Clark – Class of 2023
Testing Bacterial Growth on Different Acne Medications
2nd Place Microbiology

About Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair
Each year more than 1,800 ninth through twelfth graders earn the right to compete at Regeneron ISEF by winning a top prize at a Society-affiliated local, regional, state or national science fair. ISEF finalists compete for nearly $5 million in awards, prizes and scholarships.The 2021 ISEF competition will take place virtually to keep our finalists, volunteers, judges, and staff safe during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.