Smithtown East Sweeps BioenergizeME Infographic Challenge National Competition, Research team recognized during Washington trip
Smithtown High School East’s ThINK Discovery Science Research Program have won the National Department of Energy’s BioenergizeME Infographic Challenge. Lexington Zografakis, Sydney Bracht, Sidney Davis, Catriona Sheppard and Smithtown East program coordinator, Maria Zeitlin headed to the ninth annual conference of the Department of Energy’s Bioenergy Technologies Office. The students were recognized in Washington, D.C. with their teacher, in front of hundreds of bioenergy professionals.
“The excitement was palpable… All of the students celebrated together when we realized we swept the competition and placed first, second and third. The topic of bioenergy is relevant in today’s scientific climate, and the infographic challenge provided the opportunity to go beyond the typical classroom curriculum.” – Maria Zeitlin, ThINK Discovery Science Research Program Director
The ninth annual conference, “Bioenergy 2016: Mobilizing the Economy through Innovation” included hundreds of scientists, administrators and stakeholders from across the Country. All of whom applauded the ingenuity and clever design of the team’s winning infographic “Cellulosic Ethanol: Fuel of the Future.” The infographic combined artistic styling, scientific research to give a clear representation of the process, advantages and obstacles of cellulosic ethanol as a fuel source. The winning teams masterpiece was displayed throughout the event.
The winning team from Smithtown High School East toured Washington, D.C. for three day, with BETO staff. They were given a behind-the-scenes tour of the Library of Congress. The team also got to spend the afternoon at the U.S. Capitol with our Congressman, Lee Zeldin.