Scientists and engineers from the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD) teamed with local academia and industry Jan. 26-28 to help judge winners for the 55th Annual Three Rivers Regional Science and Engineering Fair.

While being held at the Florida State University Panama City (FSU PC) campus's Holley Academic Center, FSU PC Dean Carol Edwards introduced science fair partner and president of Gulf Coast State College, Dr. John Holdnak, who declared participating students are critical to America's future.

"I want to thank all the teachers, parents, scientists, engineers and our professional community business partners for volunteering your support for this event. But, I especially want to thank all the students who have worked so hard to be here today," Holdnak said. "We need our students to keep thinking creatively. America's future depends on innovation and I can proudly say that begins right here."

Bay District Schools Science Coordinator Katie McCurdy echoed this sentiment.

"The community's support, especially from our participating scientists, engineers and community business professionals helps inspire our students' interests in STEM studies," said McCurdy. "And given the speed at which the world's technology continues to advance, it's important we do our best to equip them with the required skills so they can fill STEM-related career positions needed by our country to keep us globally competitive."

Investing in STEM graduates is a priority for the Office of Naval Research, according to NSWC PCD STEM K-12 Outreach Coordinator Ed Linsenmeyer.

"The U.S. Navy's Office of Naval Research (ONR) and the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) are extremely interested in supporting STEM outreach events," said Linsenmeyer. "ONR supports funding this K-12 STEM outreach event with NAVSEA's blessing, specifically through ONR's Naval Science Award Program (NSAP), which recognizes the accomplishments of students in regional science fairs."

Linsenmeyer said the Navy's scientists and engineers who help judge students' projects construct their advice to students very carefully.

"We don't so much criticize students' research projects as much as try to show them how to improve their interpretation of the results," said Linsenmeyer.

Dennis Gallagher, a project engineer with NSWC PCD's Underwater Systems Development Branch, serving as a volunteer judge for yet another year in the Three Rivers Science Fair, agrees with Linsenmeyer that the way to engage students is to optimistically pique their curiosity.

"Of course as judges we have a set of criteria we adhere to when checking the student projects, but in addition to that, I try to get them excited about how they might be able to further develop what they've built so far," said Gallagher. "I like to ask students, 'How could we expand on what you've developed? What other areas or solutions to problems might you be able to apply your project to?'"

NSWC PCD Mechanical Engineer Paige George said she was a prime example of how the U.S. Navy's STEM outreach efforts inspire young students to grow up and pursue science-related careers with the Navy.

"The U.S. Navy invests in inspiring young students to become STEM graduates, not only so they will pursue STEM-related degrees, but so that as graduates they will also be excited to come to work for the Navy," said George.

George said 20 years ago, she was a young elementary student when Dennis Gallagher and another Navy scientist put on a science show at her school, which set the wheels in motion for her to want to become a Navy scientist and engineer.

"I know firsthand that Navy STEM outreach works," George said. "Not only do I now work as a Navy scientist and engineer who participates in STEM outreach, but I'm finding myself writing college reference letters for kids I've mentored when they were elementary students participating in STEM-related events, too."

For more news from Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division, visit www.navy.mil/local/NSWC/.