Navy Drug Screening Laboratory Supports San Diego Science Fair

SAN DIEGO (NNS) -- The Navy Drug Screening Laboratory San Diego (NDSL-SD) provided welcomed support for the 59th Annual Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair (GSDSEF) March 20.

Lt. Chris Coetzer, NDSL-SD biochemist, participated as a judge for the annual event that took place at the Balboa Park Activity Center in San Diego.

Seven hundred students competed in the city's largest science and engineering research competition for students in grades seven through 12.

Judges were asked to identify first place winners for eventual participation in the California State Science Fair.

GSDSEF is an all-volunteer organization composed of people from San Diego and Imperial Counties, and some of the volunteers, many of whom are former exhibitors, have been with the Fair throughout its 59-year existence.

The volunteers include teachers, administrators, business people and scientists who have dedicated their lives to the promotion of student science research.

"Science fairs are intended to encourage children, parents, teachers and the community to take a more active interest in the study of science and to recognize budding young scientists for their scientific accomplishments," said Coetzer.

All of the students competing in the fair had to present their research, experiment, results and conclusions to a minimum of three judges. The projects ranged from behavioral science to complex topics such as neurotransmitter plasticity, fuzzy logic techniques and cancer cell migration.

"Overall, the quality of projects was amazing, and the student's creativity impressed the judges," said Coetzer.

Leah Fitzgerald, NDSL-SD Director for Administration, expressed her enthusiasm for supporting promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and community outreach efforts.

"I believe that it is important to support science fairs because it is a challenging yet rewarding experience for our youth," said Fitzgerald. "Working on science projects increases a student's logical thinking, fosters teamwork and camaraderie and builds confidence and a healthy sense of competition."

According to William Sendt, NSDL-SD quality assurance specialist, these events are tremendous opportunities for children to interact with Navy service members and discover that the Navy has opportunities to serve your country while pursuing a career in science.

"The Navy has opportunities in Information Technology, Chemistry, Physics, Nuclear Energy, Healthcare Sciences and many others," said Sendt. "This is a great opportunity for young people to learn more about science-based careers that the Navy has to offer."

For more information about Navy Drug Screening Laboratory San Diego, visit: http://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmcphc/navy-drug-screening-labs/ndsl-san-diego/Pages/default.aspx .


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