Delaware Valley Science Fair
2023

Founded in 1949, The Delaware Valley Science Fairs, Inc. (DVSF), is a non-profit organization sponsored by companies, foundations, universities, and individual donors in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas within Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. DVSF is one of the oldest science fairs in the nation and has always promoted the philosophy that students learn science by doing science. We research teachers here at HTHS embrace that same philosophy. In the research process, students learn how to think and develop critical problem-solving skills that they will utilize in in the lab here at High Tech, in  college, and later in their careers.   The mission of DVSF is to connect hard working and inventive young minds with professionals in their fields. During the fair the competitors are interviewed by experts in their field as their research is evaluated. The students  who compete at DVSF have to opportunity to learn from top research scientists and engineers, gain insight into new directions for their research, and, in some cases, make connections with people who could help bring a potential product to market. Students compete for scholarships, monetary prizes, and a chance to compete in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).

Each year, 900 to 1,000 students in grades 6 through 12 from Pennsylvania,  Central and Southern New Jersey, and Delaware compete in the Delaware Valley Science Fair (DVSF).  Our students enter projects that address a novel research question or engineering solution. In participating in this rigorous research competition, they make new discoveries that could change their lives forever as they compete for the nearly $6 million in scholarship and prize money awarded at DVSF. The gold medal winners then represent DVSF as they travel to the  International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) competition in May to compete for more than $5 million in scholarships and awards. 

This year's Delaware Valley Science Fair was an in-person event, and project submissions from JSSF for the top three finishers in each category were advanced to DVSF to be reviewed by their judging panel. There were special awards given by sponsoring corporations and institutions and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place was awarded in each category. Then, the first place finishers in each grade level competed for the Gold, Silver and Bronze prizes that allow them to advance to Regeneron's ISEF. 

Delaware Valley Science Fair 2023 Official Results

Special Awards

AFCEA - Philadelphia Chapter: is awarding these prizes to the best high school science research projects related to communications, intelligence or information systems fields. Each student will receive a formal certificate, a cash prize and a one year membership to AFCEA.

1st Place $200 - Arjun Tschand

Air Products Young Innovator Award: is presented to students that demonstrate innovation in computer science and engineering. Each student will receive $250 and a certificate.

Caitlyn Zito

American Psychological Association: is pleased to award certificates to outstanding research projects in psychological science. Winners receive a certificate of achievement and a complimentary one-year student affiliate membership in APA.

Haley Deng

American Society for Microbiology - Eastern PA:  is honoring outstanding projects related to the field of microbiology. They also recognize the teacher of our grand prize winner for encouraging the student’s research.

Honorable Mention certificate - Sreeja Paruchuri

Constellation Award:  is given to outstanding projects that align with the company’s mission to promote the use of clean energy and reduce our carbon footprint. Each winner will receive $100 along with their certificate.

Anders Nielsen

Drexel University - Dept. of Biodiversity, Earth, and Environmental Science:  is proud to honor students that best exemplify their mission of promoting the comprehensive understanding of the earth and environment through inquiry-based , experiential, interdisciplinary scientific education and research.

3rd Place $100 - Gajan Mohan Raj

Engineers' Club of Philadelphia:   honors future leaders in the engineering field to ensure excellence in engineering continues for generations to come. Each winner will receive $200 and a personalized plaque.

Arjun Tschand

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers - Philadelphia Section:  is pleased to present these awards for excellence and outstanding effort in the development and construction of projects in the IEEE fields of interest.

3rd Place $100 and plaque - Arjun Tschand

Merck Science Achievement Award:  honors excellent projects relating to drug discovery and human health. Each winner will receive $100 and a certificate

Haley Deng

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:  presents the Taking the Pulse of the Planet Award to honor projects whose research has demonstrated the principles and technical innovations that offer the greatest potential for an improved understanding of Earth’s dynamic processes

Suchit Basineni

Arjun Tschand

Office of Naval Research Naval Science Award:  The United States Navy and Marine Corps take pleasure in recognizing projects that demonstrate student learning about the chosen subject and scientific process, as well as the ability to discuss the work intelligently. High school students will receive $50, a medallion and a certificate. 

Indus Boddu

Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers:  proudly recognizes projects from each grade level that exhibit the promise of future engineering excellence

2nd Place $25 and certificate - Caitlyn Zito

Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry - Hudson Delaware Chapter:  honors high school projects that promote the development of principles and practices for protection, enhancement and management of sustainable environmental quality and ecosystem integrity.

2nd Place $75 - Gajan Mohan Raj

Society of Women Engineers:  is proud to recognize outstanding science projects which typify engineering principles and methods.

2nd Place with $50 - Caitlyn Zito

HM certificate - Mia Mastroianni

US Department of Agriculture Eastern Regional Research Center:  honors students with the Future Scientist Award for having meritorious projects dealing with agricultural research. Each student will receive a certificate and an invitation to the Future Scientist Day Event.

Sreeja Paruchuri

WL Gore and Associates Extreme Engineering Challenge:  honors projects that demonstrate advanced skills in the engineering design process.

1st Place and $100- Arjun Tschand

Yale Science and Engineering Association:  recognizes outstanding 11th grade projects in Chemistry, Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics. Each student will receive a certificate and medallion.

Evan Chang