Eight exceptional student finalists from San Bernardino County were celebrated on May 7, for earning the honor to compete at the prestigious International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Columbus, Ohio. These students advanced through a rigorous selection process by beginning at their school sites, progressing to district-level competitions and ultimately securing top honors at the San Bernardino | Inyo | Mono Science and Engineering Fair (SIMSEF).
Students were recognized during a special ceremony with a SIMSEF blazer, a symbol of their achievement to be proudly worn at the international competition. Additionally, students were awarded certificates of recognition and received SIMSEF gear to represent the region.
"Advancing to ISEF is a testament to their hard work and the strength of STEM education in our schools,” said County Superintendent Ted Alejandre. “We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and look forward to their continued success.”
On May 10, the finalists departed for ISEF, joining nearly 2,000 peers from over 70 countries in a week-long competition featuring $9 million in awards and scholarships. The event culminated in an awards ceremony on Friday, May 16, celebrating a journey of scientific discovery and excellence.
Four outstanding students earned full-ride scholarships to Arizona State University, totaling nearly half a million dollars in awards:
- Leila Maleki – Chino Valley Unified School District
- Tyler Kalanjian – Redlands Unified School District
- Zackary Lewis – Redlands Unified School District
- Michael Stodelle – Redlands Unified School District
These students stood out among a competitive field, demonstrating innovation, research excellence and real-world problem-solving skills.
The San Bernardino | Inyo | Mono Science and Engineering Fair (SIMSEF) is dedicated to fostering STEM education and providing students with opportunities to showcase their talents on local, national and global stages. By encouraging inquiry-based learning and hands-on exploration, SIMSEF inspires the next generation of scientists, engineers and leaders.