News Post

Three St. Joseph’s Academy students qualified to participate in the 2023 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair-ISEF, held May 14-19 in Dallas. ISFE is the largest global science competition for high school students.

Recent graduate Margaret Moe, rising senior Ella Barker and rising junior Kenzie Stentiford were among the young scientists from more than 70 countries at this year’s fair. 

“I am so proud of our girls who were able to attend this event,” said Science Fair Coordinator Jaqueline Savoia. “It is an incredible honor and an amazing experience for them. I love that they get to collaborate with young researchers and have the opportunity to see what others are doing from all over the world.”

Moe was awarded $5,000 from the National Anti-Vivisection Society, an animal-protection group based in London working to replace animals used in testing and research with advanced, scientific techniques. Her project placed second among three finalists for the award, which was open to all 1,500 projects at ISEF this year. 

“It meant so much to me to win this award because I’ve been in science fair for so long, and I never thought that I would get to this point,” Moe said. “I started as a freshman, and now as a senior who’s been doing science fair for all of high school, I can really appreciate all of the work that goes into doing projects like these. When I first stepped into the lab, I was hopeful that I might win a category award at the regional fair; it never crossed my mind that I would be a two-time regional science fair first place overall winner, one-time state science fair first place overall winner and two-time ISEF qualifier one day. Looking back at how far I’ve come, I am so grateful for everyone who has helped me along this journey. To win this award and see all of the hard work I’ve done be recognized at this scale is absolutely incredible.” 

Stentiford described her ISEF experience as eye-opening, humbling and lively. “To see high school students from all around the world come together to share their gifts and talents to help better the world was truly transformational,” she said. “Everyone is united to build each other up and learn from each other. I especially enjoyed meeting people outside of the U.S. and learning more about their cultures and projects. The potential of fellow ISEF nominees gives hope for future advancements in technology, science and engineering. Meeting students from all over the world, all with a drive to change the world for the better, is truly an experience I will cherish.” 

Barker said participating in ISEF was an incredible experience. "I didn't fully realize what ISEF was or what it meant to be a finalist until I was there with thousands of students from all over the world,” she said. “Seeing other people from around the world and getting to know their culture/roots was eye opening. I was able to learn to so much. When people tell you it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, it really is. I haven't experienced anything like it.”

Mindy Brodhead Averitt
Communications Director