Hundreds of Rutherford County STEM students bring ‘amazing’ research to MTSU

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Some 400 students in grades 5-12 from 19 Rutherford County Schools had been collaborating for months on projects in the STEM fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

They were conducting research in anticipation of the sixth annual RCS STEM Expo, held in the Middle Tennessee State University Student Union Ballroom that was recently a beehive of activity.

Colton Hartley, left, a fifth grader at Brown’s Chapel Elementary School in Murfreesboro, Tenn., discusses his “Germs Everywhere” research to a judge during the recent Rutherford County STEM Expo, held in Middle Tennessee State University’s Student Union Ballroom. Hartley’s research received a special award from the MTSU College of Basic and Applied Sciences. (MTSU photo by James Cessna)

The three-hour evening event featured 200 original projects by elementary, middle and high school students in the areas of STEM Research, Engineering, Technology and Agricultural STEM.

“The work of these students never ceases to amaze me,” said Stephanie Finley, county schools’ STEM specialist. “The future of STEM looks bright for sure.”

Finley mentioned projects like “N.E.O.N.” from Stewarts Creek High School that focused on improving scientists’ understanding of coral bleaching leading to a healthier ocean to “Backwash Bacteria” from Brown’s Chapel Elementary that focused on which type of reusable water bottle is safest to use related to bacterial growth.

Kevin Bicker, MTSU chemistry professor and College of Basic and Applied Sciences associate dean for research, agrees with Finley. He said a Brown’s Chapel student’s “Germs Everywhere” project caught his attention, leading to an individual award.

“In addition to a solidly designed STEM research project, the young man presented with confidence and knowledge that was incredible for someone his age,” Bicker said.

Stephanie Finley, right, Rutherford County Schools’ STEM specialist, congratulates a winner during the RCS STEM Fair, held Thursday, March 14, in the Middle Tennessee State University Student Union Ballroom in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Numerous awards were presented at the conclusion of the three-hour event where 400 students shared their science, technology, engineering and match research. (MTSU photo by James Cessna)

“This event made it evident that our local STEM teachers are doing an amazing job preparing the next generation of innovative scientists for the Middle Tennessee region,” he added. “It was great to connect with some of these scientists and I know they’ll find that MTSU is well-equipped to provide further research opportunities for them, preparing them for a career in STEM.”

Finley said the Thursday, March 14, event also provided informational tables for community organizations, a photo booth, a Just Dance party and STEM stations, including the Be Pro Be Proud career exploration trailer.

Kalleah Hall, a sixth grader at Thurman Francis Arts Academy in Smyrna, Tenn., explains her dog-related research to a judge at the recent RCS STEM Fair, held in the Student Union Ballroom at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Some 400 students from 19 schools showcased 200 projects in the event where their study has focused on science, technology, engineering and math. (MTSU photo by James Cessna)

Key awards

Best of Show/1^st place — Central Magnet students Carly Phillips and Noella Obi. Their senior thesis pursued the question of “to what extent does gender in coaching influence mental health, self-efficacy and performance in female high school athletes.”

STEM Spotlight — Middle school STEM teacher Kevin Welch and the Stewarts Creek Robotics Team, for first- and second-place finishes at two regional robotics competitions.

2024 STEM Teacher of the Year — Tammy Anselmo, Brown’s Chapel Elementary.

All awards can be found on the Rutherford County Schools’ website — www.rcschools.net.

As fellow Brown’s Chapel Elementary fifth grade research collaborator Ellie Batcheler, left, listens, Adelyn King discusses their “Backwash Bacteria” project with a judge during the recent Rutherford County Schools’ STEM Fair in the Middle Tennessee State University Student Union Ballroom in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Brown’s Chapel was among 19 county schools participating in the sixth annual event. (MTSU photo by James Cessna)

Strong industry support

Bicker calls it “a truly remarkable event for MTSU to host, bringing an amazing diversity of students and local industries to MTSU’s campus.”

Representatives from Nissan, Coke Consolidated, Anthem Health, Automation Nth and numerous others were there to participate and present special recognition awards.

In addition to the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, other MTSU support came from the Jones College of Business, MTeach and the Tennessee STEM Education Center.

Jamesina Hammonds, center, an Oakland High School student, describes her research to a judge during the recent RCS STEM Fair, held in the Student Union Ballroom at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Hammonds was among 400 students from 19 schools presenting their science, technology, engineering and math research at the sixth annual event on Thursday, March 14. (MTSU photo by James Cessna)

MT Innovation Hub STEM Expo April 3

Another STEM event is just weeks away. The 2024 Middle Tennessee STEM Innovation Hub STEM Expo for students in grades five through 12 is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, in the MTSU Student Union Ballroom.

Coordinated by the Tennessee STEM Education Center, categories will be in STEM Research, Engineering, Agricultural STEM and Technology. To learn more, visit https://mtsu.edu/tsec.

— Randy Weiler (Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu)