Area students take top prizes at Virginia Piedmont Regional Science Fair

The world around us is powered by scientific discoveries made by millennia of curious people who just wanted to know how things work.

To power and fuel innovation, the concept of the science fair was invented in the 1930’s in New York City as a way of encouraging young people to choose a career in innovation.

The tradition continues nearly a century later and this week two students who live in the area were awarded top prizes at the Virginia Piedmont Regional Science Fair held on March 20.

Mia Heller is an 11th-grade student at Mountain Vista Governor’s School in Warrenton who won a Grand Award for a project called Micro-Magnetism: Using an Oil-Based Ferrofluid to Remove Microplastics from Drinking Water.

Micah Appiah is a 9th-grade student at Albemarle High School who receive a Grand Award for a project called Insights into a Novel Electrostatic Motor Design for Electric Vehicles and Other Applications.

“We are incredibly proud of Mia and Micah for their dedication, creativity, and hard work,” said Adrian Felts, Director of the Virginia Piedmont Regional Science Fair in an information release. “Their projects address real-world challenges and exemplify the spirit of scientific inquiry. We look forward to seeing their contributions recognized on an international stage.”

Both will now represent Virginia for a competition called the International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF). That will be held in May in Columbus, Ohio.

A story about a science fair needs some information about the underlying science. Let’s start with Heller.

“Heller’s research aims to develop an effective method for removing harmful microplastics from water sources using ferrofluid technology,” Heller said.

Ferrofluid is a liquid that attracts to the poles of a magnet and were invented in the 1963 by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for use in rocket fuel. They have many applications including use to keep hard disks spinning, cooling loudspeakers, and to visualize sound.

Felts said Appiah’s work presents an innovative approach to improving electric motor efficiency.’

“His work has potential applications in advancing sustainable transportation and other energy-efficient technologies,” Felts said.

Electrostatics is a subset of physics in which scientists study stationary or slow-moving electric particles. An electrostatic motor is based on the attraction and repulsion of electric charges. The first ones were developed in the 1740’s and 1750’s according to Wikipedia. Learn more so you can get a glimpse of the future!

Felts said the Virginia State Science & Engineering Fair is being held at Piedmont Virginia Community College on Saturday, April 5th.

“The 1st place winners from all 11 regional fairs across the state in 9th through 12th grades will be there to compete,” Felts said. “The grand winners from that fair will also be sent to ISEF.”

PVCC will host the fair for the next five years.

Before you go: This story was first posted in the March 22, 2025 edition of Charlottesville Community Engagement. Go take a look at that and three other stories!