ACS Athens seventh-grade students achieved outstanding results at the 2026 NESA Virtual Science and Engineering Fair (NVSEF), demonstrating exceptional scientific inquiry, innovation, and perseverance throughout a demanding three-round international competition. A total of 37 teams represented ACS Athens, showcasing their commitment to research, problem-solving, and Conscious Citizenship.
To celebrate these remarkable accomplishments, a special awards ceremony was recently held on campus, where the participating students were recognized in front of their peers and teachers for their dedication and accomplishments.
Round I: Research with Purpose
The competition began with each team identifying a real-world problem and developing an experimental research question connected to one of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Students designed and conducted original experiments, collected and analyzed data from three trials, and presented their findings through scientific reports and presentations.
The projects were first showcased at the ACS Athens Science Fair, where they were evaluated by members of the school's Science and Mathematics faculty. Following this round, the top-performing teams advanced to the international stage of the competition.
Round II: Competing on the International Stage
In Round II, ACS Athens students competed alongside participants from nine international schools. Teams were evaluated by science educators from each participating school based on their research reports and responses to four rigorous assessment questions focused on scientific communication, technical vocabulary, and science and engineering practices.
Several ACS Athens teams distinguished themselves with exceptional performances:
- Team 9, composed of Lea Al-Khafaji and Julianna Sharrett, investigated how different types of food waste affect electricity production in a microbial fuel cell. Their innovative project earned 1st Place Overall and 1st Place in Microbiology.
- Team 31, consisting of Margarita Litina, Isabella Francis, and Melina Lampousi, explored the effectiveness of various kitchen counter cleaners in reducing bacterial growth. Their research secured 9th Place Overall and 1st Place in Biology.
- Team 24, made up of Stella De Bruin, Karla Hirano, and Anna Maria Kontovounisiou, examined household coatings that help prevent rust formation on iron surfaces. Their project earned 13th Place Overall and 2nd Place in Chemistry.
These achievements highlighted the students’ ability to apply scientific principles to meaningful, real-world challenges while competing at an international level.
Round III: A Championship Performance
The final round brought the top-performing teams before a panel of scientists and engineers from the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, led by Dr. Eric Brunsell. Due to ongoing regional conflicts affecting participating schools, the Varsity Division (Grades 7–8) final round was abbreviated, with the advanced follow-up prompt suspended to ensure fairness and accessibility for schools operating in hybrid, asynchronous, and on-campus formats.
Despite these adjustments, the level of competition remained exceptionally high. Building on their impressive performance throughout the event, Team 9 once again distinguished itself and secured the overall championship title, earning First Place at NVSEF 2026.
Celebrating Excellence
ACS Athens proudly congratulates all participating student teams, and the Middle School Science educators who guided and supported them throughout this remarkable journey. Special recognition goes to our science faculty: Ms. Poulou, Mr. Koudounis, Ms. Bakoyannis, and Ms. Theofilou for their dedication to fostering scientific inquiry and excellence.
The school also extends its sincere appreciation to Mr. Konstantopoulos, Dr. Stergiopoulos, Dr. Prodromidi, Ms. Doulami, Dean Tokatlidou, and the many educators and judges whose contributions helped make this success possible.
This achievement stands as a testament to what can be accomplished when curiosity, creativity, and determination come together. ACS Athens celebrates these young innovators and looks forward to the future discoveries and accomplishments that lie ahead as they continue their journey as scientists, researchers, and global citizens.
