Tenth grader at Pacific Horizon School, Amelie Chen, was the overall winner in the 2023 Territorial Science Fair High School Division held last week.
Her project was titled, “Antipodal Algae: Energy Solutions for a Tropical Island”.
An abstract: “As the emission of carbon dioxide into our atmosphere continues to contribute to climate change, the search for a cleaner energy source prevails. Using algae as a biofuel can replace our use of diesel fuel in American Samoa because algae is both naturally abundant and grows at a fast rate. Algal biofuel is also a very promising fossil fuel replacement due to algae’s high levels of lipids which can be extracted efficiently without the use of dangerous chemicals.
“American Samoa has the ideal climate to grow and harvest algae as biofuel.
“Applying experimental methods I learned at a biotechnology course at UC Berkeley, I was
able to extract algal lipids and convert them into biofuel using the local resources found on
our island. After harvesting and growing three different algal samples, I measured the mass of each algae species and observed that ocean algae reproduces faster than freshwater algae. To test which species contains the most lipids, I combined the lipids with potassium iodide made from coconut ash and found that filamentous algae produces the most algal biofuel. In this project, I was able to convert algae into algal biofuel using local resources and discovered what species could potentially replace our fuel source in American Samoa.”
2nd- Heleina Willis, senior at Faasao Marist: “An Improved Insecticidal Bait to Control Invasive Technomyrmex vitiensis (Fijian White-Footed Ants)”.
3rd- Dimple Bonhart, senior at Faasao Marist:”Comparing the Effects of Fish Hydrolysate and Fish Emulsion on the Growth of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus)”.
4th- Penny Solaita, senior Faasao Marist:”Determining the Abundance and Diversity of Phytoplankton Relative to a Stream Source in Pago Harbor, American Samoa”.
5th- Princess Jazelle Viesca, senior Faasao Marist: “Determining which banana variety in American Samoa contains the highest amylase activity”.
6th- Daniel Lee, 10th grader, Pacfic Horizons: “Testing the Antimicrobial Abilities and the Effectiveness of Herbs and Its Molds Found in American Samoa on Streptococcus pneumoniae”.
7th- Renee Dunson, 10th grader, Leone High School: “Effectiveness of household products in dissolving Polystyrene (Styrofoam)”.
The high school overall winners will represent American Samoa at the International Science and Engineering Fair, Mary 14-19 in Dallas, Texas.
Winners in the Elementary Division 6-8 Cluster:
1st- Ida Therese DeWees, Pacific Horizons School
2nd- John Mirasol, Manumalo Academy and Jakobe Fagafua, Matafao Elementary
3rd- Alana Jonerose, Pacific Horizons School and Harleem Soliai, Samoa Baptist Academy
Winners in the 3-5 Cluster:
1st- Miguel DeWees, Pacific Horizon School and Jarielle Mirasal, Manumalo Academy
2nd- Skyalar Montalbo, Pacific Horizon
3rd- Clotilde Fuataga, Marist St. Francis
Congratulations to all the winners.
Photos: AS Department of Education
