Governor Awards Two Young Arizona Scientists

Gov. Janet Napolitano announced 2 young Arizona scientists, Annette Mendivil & Erin Eppard, will receive tuition scholarships to any of Arizona’s 3 universities. The 2 students were also selected to present their projects at the 1st National Governors Association (NGA) Science Fair.

Annette Mendivil, an incoming senior at Casa Grande Union High School, will display her project, “Utilizing Science to Promote Sustainable Economic Development in Our Tribal Community: Protein Metabolism in Tilapia Fish for Optimal Growth,” at the science fair. Erin Eppard, an incoming senior at Thunderbird High School in Phoenix, will present “Operator Injury Mitigation Using Electronic Sensing, Mechanical Braking & Decoupling Devices in Handheld Circular Saws.”

The science fair will be held August 5-6 in Charleston, South Carolina & will focus on math, science & technology – the areas schools across America must improve in to ensure students are ready for advanced education & the workforce. At the fair, 13 students from 6 states & Puerto Rico will have the opportunity to display their work.

Intel Corporation selected the 2 students to represent Arizona, & is covering their travel & lodging expenses. Intel has also provided strong support for increasing student proficiency in math & science through the Intel International Science & Engineering Fair, in which Mendivil & Eppard participated.