Four New Liberty Students to Present at the Massachusetts Region IV Science and Engineering Fair
MSEF a long-awaited competition for New Liberty students
SALEM (Feb. 28, 2024) – Four sophomores from the New Liberty Innovation School will present their science research projects at the Massachusetts Region IV High School Science and Engineering Fair Friday, Mar. 1, at Tufts University.
Tyrone Manifold will join classmates Shanay Love, Johana Rodriguez and Antonio Justo, along with Dr. Brenda Goodrum, STEM Educator at New Liberty.
The Region IV Science Fair is one of six regional fairs that serve as qualifying competitions for the Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF) and the statewide competition, the Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair (MSEF). At the Region IV Competition, the top 2 projects are nominated for the ISEF, and the top 40 projects advance to the MSEF Friday, Apr. 5 at Gillette Stadium.
The appearance at the MSEF was years in the making, said Dr. Goodrum, who originally had a group of students primed to enter the Region IV Fair in 2020, only to be delayed by the Covid-19 outbreak.
“This is the first cohort, and hopefully not the last,” she said. “They’re doing phenomenal work. They have developed invaluable research and writing skills, which they will take when they go to college.”
Mr. Manifold, presenting in the Engineering: Electrical and Mechanical category, will discuss his project titled, ‘Crosswalk Safety: Using Motion Sensors to Decrease Accidents,’ while Ms. Love will compete in the Biochemistry category with her presentation, ‘Naturally Made Cleaning Products Are Better for the Home Instead Of Using Harsh Chemicals.’
Competing in the Earth and Environmental Science category, Mr. Justo will present ‘The Effects of Vertical Gardens in Urban Environments’ while Ms. Rodriguez will present ‘How to Grow Sustainable Food in an Urban Environment.’
“I feel good but a little bit nervous,” Mr. Manifold said. “But at the same time, this will give me a better understanding of my topic which is focused on reducing accidents at crosswalks. Hopefully, I’d like to eventually patent this.”
The Region IV Fair was launched in 2006.
The New Liberty students’ representation in the Fair is consistent with the 2023-26 Strategic Plan’s core priorities with an emphasis on elevating learning and strengthening the District’s foundation.
“This crew is very interested in helping the environment and the community,” said. Dr. Goodrum. “That is what their concern is.”
About Salem Public Schools
Salem Public Schools is an urban public school district in Salem, Massachusetts. Salem is a small, diverse city with a proud maritime and immigrant history. Our leaders and our teachers are all passionate about education and understand the urgency of improving student achievement with equity and social-emotional needs as the lens we view all of our work through. We respect and value the racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity of our students and their families, and have a strong commitment to the Salem community. Salem Public Schools staff serve all of our students, regardless of ability or language. Salem Public Schools enrolls approximately 4,000 students across its eleven schools.
