LEETONIA- A local teacher has been selected as a judge for the world's most prestigious science fair.
Lisa Besozzi, a middle and high school science teacher at Leetonia, will serve as a judge in the Analytical Chemistry division of the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) of 2012 being held May 13-18 in Pittsburgh.
Although in her first year at Leetonia, Besozzi has spent 30 years in education, serving each of those in some capacity in local and state science fair competitions in Ohio, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
With the initial intent to apply as an Italian interpreter for the event, which will feature participants from over 60 countries, Besozzi said her excitement and passion for science fairs, in addition to her many years of experience, encouraged her to apply to be a judge, although she said she did not think she would be chosen.
"I'm always excited to participate in science fairs," she said. "To get to see young people who dedicate their time and effort...on something that is meaningful, it inspires my teaching and re-energizes my classes."
But to be able to play a role in the biggest science fair in the world during the twilight of her career is more than special, Besozzi said.
"For it to come to Pittsburgh now, and after 30 years (as an educator), its like finally making it to the Super Bowl at the end of your career," she said.
As a judge, Besozzi said she will be responsible for determining whether the participant's research and data is valid and if the project's objective has been met, then analyzing it all to make sure it is plausible.
"It's very hard to get into this science fair, these kids work on their projects for three or four years, so I'm excited to see what they have to offer," she said. "These are going to be the scientists of the future. It's really an honor to be chosen as a judge."
Even though she said she considers the opportunity to serve as a judge in the Intel ISEF the highlight of her career, Besozzi said she is sad to see the events dwindling across the country in today's world.
"I hate to see such a great institution become extinct," she said. "There are so many distractions for today's kids. I remember a time when participation was mandatory, but now you see so few high school students taking part."
According to Besozzi, students undertaking a science fair project build a number of skills they will use in life such as critical thinking, communication, time management and research. Projects also help build passion in a specific subject and teach students about ethics in their work.
"[Science fair projects] teach things that you can't teach in a typical classroom where you spend a just a few classes on a project," she noted.
According to its website, the annual Intel ISEF is the premiere science competition in the world exclusively for students in grades nine through 12, providing a forum for over 1,500 students worldwide to display their independent research.
