Local Student Wins Medal In International Science Fair

Commack junior Andrew Kim brought home a silver medal from the 2014 International Sustainable World Energy, Engineering & Environment Project Olympiad (I-SWEEEP), held in Houston, Texas. Andrew qualified for the international fair after submitting his research paper and a recommendation from his mentor.

His project involved developing a unique chemically treated sponge to absorb oil contamination from water. He conducted his research at Stony Brook University, and his project was titled, a “Highly Efficient Sponge for Absorption of Contaminated Oil.

“I-SWEEEP is one of the world’s largest international science fairs focusing on energy, engineering, and environment. Students from 66 countries displayed their projects at the George R. Brown convention center during the week of April 28 – May 4, 2014.  Nearly 600 young high school researchers and 300 teachers traveled to Houston, committed to finding solutions to globe’s problems.

Andrew very much enjoyed making new friends. “The best part of the fair was meeting students from all over the world and discussing their research. It was quite an experience.”

Story by Brenda Lentsch

Photo by Dr. Susan Lee