The air buzzed with excitement, the halls filled with innovative ideas, and the future of STEM looked brighter than ever at the 2025 Tulsa Regional Science Fair! Held on February 6th at The University of Tulsa’s Allen Chapman Student Union, this year’s fair was a resounding success, showcasing the incredible talent and dedication of young scientists from across Tulsa and Creek counties.

Over 100 students representing 12 schools and homeschool groups presented a diverse range of projects across 16 categories, demonstrating their passion for scientific exploration. From groundbreaking engineering solutions to insightful medical research, the projects on display were a testament to the students’ hard work, creativity, and commitment to STEM.

“It is always a thrill to witness the incredible talent and dedication of these young scientists,” shared Dr. Emily Mortimer, TRSA’s VP of STEM Ecosystems. “The Tulsa Regional Science Fair provides a platform for students to explore their passions, develop critical thinking skills, and experience the thrill of scientific discovery. The fair also allows us to gain valuable insights into the perspectives of youth and the problems they are most passionate about solving.”

Out of 82 impressive projects, 14 were selected to advance to the Oklahoma State Science and Engineering Fair (OSSEF) on March 7, 2025. We’re incredibly proud of all the participants and wish them the best of luck at the state level!

And a special congratulations to our two top projects, who earned the opportunity to compete at the prestigious International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Columbus, Ohio, from May 11 to 16, 2025:

  • “Synthesis and Evaluation of Bio-Derived Rocket Fuels for Sustainable Space Exploration” by Mason Istre and William Soranno (Cascia Hall Preparatory School) – 1st Place, Engineering
  • “Unveiling Protocadherin Expression in Non-Neural Developmental Contexts” by Emma Zhang (Jenks High School) – 1st Place, Medical & Health Science

We’re so excited to see what these young scientists accomplish in the future! The Tulsa Regional Science Fair is a powerful reminder of the potential within our community and the importance of fostering a love of STEM in young minds. We’re committed to continuing to support these students as they explore, discover, and innovate.