Guidry Sisters Compete in International Science Fairs
Eighteen-year-old Olivia Guidry, a Baton Rouge native and recent graduate of St. Joseph’s Academy, was invited to present her research at the 2015 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) held May 10-15, 2015 in Pittsburg, PA.
ISEF is the largest pre-college science competition in the world and provides an opportunity for more than 2,000 high school students to exhibit their independent research and compete for awards and scholarships. 2015 ISEF competitors convened in Pittsburgh from seventy-eight countries around the world. Maya Ajmera, president and CEO of Science News , said ISEF participants are “the smartest STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) students in the world.”
“Olivia’s participation at ISEF 2015 marks her second consecutive year of participation at the event and her fifth international science fair exhibition over the last three years. She has also presented her research at the International Sustainable World Energy Engineering Environment Project (ISWEEEP) Olympiad in 2013, 2014, and 2015. Competing against the brightest high school students from across the globe, Olivia has represented the United States, the State of Louisiana and the Guidry Family very well and has been recognized for her outstanding work at each of the five international science fairs winning numerous awards and scholarships.
Olivia called ISWEEEP an amazing experience. “We are so blessed to have the opportunity to compete on an international level against such advanced projects,” she said. “The intelligence and ingenuity put into the other participants’ projects was absolutely astounding. Although the competition was an unforgettable experience, my favorite part was meeting and forming friendships with students from all over the world who share my interests. I can only hope I’ll be able to meet some of them again. We learned so much about other cultures and the endless possibilities for a more sustainable world. It was an experience I will never forget.”
Olivia’s project, A Greener Shade of Grey: The Effects of a Novel Water-Reducing Geopolymer on SO3 in Non-Standard Coal Combustion Residues , is a third year study aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of concrete by reducing the amount of cement in various concrete mixtures. Cement production requires enormous amounts of energy and, due to the vast amounts of concrete consumed everyday across the globe, even a small percentage reduction in cement would have a significant impact on the amount of carbon and other greenhouse gases released into the environment.
After receiving scholarship offers from different schools, the lifelong Tiger fan is attending Louisiana State University majoring in Environmental Engineering.
Following in the footsteps of her older sister, Olivia’s 16 year old sister, Meredith, was also invited to present her research at the 2015 ISWEEEP Olympiad and was also recognized in her category.
Meredith’s project, The Effects of Recycled Aggregate on Cementitious Fireproofing , studies the effects of re-purposed waste stream products such as wood, plastic and polystyrene foam (Styrofoam) as aggregates in cementitious fireproofing material. Insulating properties of samples were studied using controlled flame impingement tests. Re-purposed waste stream materials used in light weight cementitious products such as fireproofing could significantly reduce the amount of wastes going to landfills.
Meredith felt honored to be invited to ISWEEEP. “Competing at the international science fair level was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.” she said. “It was an honor to be accepted as a participant at ISWEEP and I hope I can go back this year!” Achieving this level of success at her first ISWEEEP Olympiad has motivated Meredith to continue her research in anticipation of competing at the international level once again next year at ISWEEEP and ISEF. She didn’t waste any time this summer planning her next round of experimentation, study and exhibition and has already been offered a mentorship and sponsorship for her project.
Olivia and Meredith are the daughters of Barry and Jeanne Sehring Guidry of Baton Rouge and granddaughters of Francis W. “Potat” Guidry and Gertrude Rome Guidry of St. John Parish, Louisiana.