California State Science Fair — 2012
Special Awards


Alfarata Walley Award for Excellence in Electronics
For achievement in electronics and electromagnetic studies. Given in recognition of Mrs. Walley, a dedicated elementary school teacher for over 40 years who passed away in 2010. Her many students will be pleased that she has been remembered for her devotion to her profession. Limited to projects in the Junior Division. Award is $500. Presented anonymously.
CAPCA Agricultural Award
For the projects that best explore the industry that makes California the state that feeds the world, the $31 billion agriculture industry. One award in each division. Award is a $1,000 in the Senior Division, $500 in the Junior Division, both in US Savings Bonds. Presented by the California Association of Pest Control Advisors.
CAT Scan R&D Silicon Boule Award
For distinctive performance in the physical sciences. This award has been presented annually since 1995 and was originally an end piece of an ultrapure monocrystalline silicon boule. Limited to projects in the Junior Division. Award is a TRW custom designed silicon die for the space program which became an enabling technology for the CAT scan. Presented by Dale L. Hall, Senior Engineer Scientist, retired, TRW Space & Electronics.
Coastal Science Award
For excellence in coastal science and/or engineering, addressing problems or providing new solutions or technology to coastal and ocean issues. Limited to projects in the Senior Division. Award is $500 and membership in CSBPA, California Chapter. Presented by the California Shore & Beach Preservation Association.
LA BioMed Award for Excellence in Molecular Biology
For achievement in the field of Biochemistry/ Molecular Biology. Award is $1000. Presented by the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center (LA BioMed).
Award S0505, Nikhil Buduma, Santa Clara County Not Present at Awards Ceremony
Math Teachers Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Computer Science Studies
For achievement in mathematics and software studies. Given in recognition of students in the Webster University Graduate School of Business, many of whom are active Air Force personnel soon to be deployed to Afghanistan. Limited to projects in the Senior Division. Award is $500. Presented anonymously.
Plant Cell Biology Award
For scientific achievement in the fields of cell and molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, or technology development that will impact our understanding of plant cell biology. Limited to projects in the Senior Division. Award is $500. Presented by the Center for Plant Cell Biology of the University of California, Riverside.
Raytheon Junior Achievement Award
For the projects demonstrating the greatest potential for achieving technological breakthroughs in mathematics, physics, and engineering. Limited to projects in the Junior Division. Award is $500. Presented by the Raytheon Asian Pacific Association (RAPA) – Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems Company.
SCAQMD Air Quality or Climate Change Award
For the best project concerning air quality and/or climate change. One award in each division. Award is $1500 and an invitation to present the project at the AQMD's conference, "A World We Can Change." Presented by the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
SPIE Optics & Photonics Award
For the project best demonstrating scientific research and engineering applications of optical, photonic, imaging, and optoelectronic technologies. One award in each division. Award is $1000, one year membership in SPIE, and a certificate. Presented by SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics.
Senior Division S1402, the team of Christine Chang and Joseph Chang, Santa Clara County Not Present at Awards Ceremony
Honorable Mention S1408, the team of William C. Hang and Frank Liu Su, San Diego County Not Present at Awards Ceremony
Sushila & Chandi Charan Kar Award
For an outstanding project in the health sciences, especially with humanitarian consequences. Award is $500. Presented by the Sheila Kar Health Foundation.
UCLA Brain Research Institute Award
For outstanding science projects in all areas of neuroscience from molecules to mind. One award in each division. Award is $500 and a certificate. Presented by the UCLA Brain Research Institute (BRI).
Senior Division S0532, Anna T. Thomas, Santa Clara County Not Present at Awards Ceremony




California State Science Fair — 2012
Recognition Awards


Bone Clones Mammalian Biology Award
For outstanding performance in biology. Limited to projects in the Junior Division. Award is an exact reproduction of a Hornbill skull. Presented by Bone Clones Osteological Reproductions Inc.
CAPS Science Achievement Award
For the project best illustrating good scientific methodology in a discipline represented by members of CAPS, including physics, chemistry, biological and environmental science, toxics and energy resources. Award is $100 and an plaque. Presented by the California Association of Professional Scientists.
CCGO Geoscience Award
For an outstanding project in the field of geosciences. Award is $250. Presented by the American Institute of Professional Geologists, California Section, and the California Council of Geoscience Organizations.
Clinical Chemistry Award
For interesting and original projects that impact the future of clinical chemistry. Three awards in each division. Senior Division award is $200, Junior Division award is $100. Presented by the American Association for Clinical Chemistry, Southern California Section.
Coastal Science Award
For excellence in coastal science and/or engineering, addressing problems or providing new solutions or technology to coastal and ocean issues. Limited to projects in the Junior Division. Award is $250 and membership in CSBPA, California Chapter. Presented by the California Shore & Beach Preservation Association.
Hauta Wissmann Foundation Life Sciences Award
For an outstanding biology project. Limited to the Junior Division. Award is an exact osteologic reproduction of a Dire Wolf skull. Presented by the Hauta Wissmann Foundation.
Plant Cell Biology Award
For scientific achievement in the fields of cell and molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, or technology development that will impact our understanding of plant cell biology. Award is $100. Presented by the Center for Plant Cell Biology of the University of California, Riverside.
Society of Petroleum Engineers Superior Technical Achievement Award
For outstanding technical achievement in projects relating to the development of oil and/or gas resources, mechanics, subsurface fluid flow, and production of those or other energy resources through wellbores, or in projects of a technical nature requiring a high degree of independent thinking, which could be applied to the advancement of the field of petroleum engineering research and/or development. One award in each age division. Award is $300 and a certificate. Presented by the Los Angeles Chapter of the Society of Petroleum Engineers.
SPIE Optics & Photonics Award
For the project best demonstrating scientific research and engineering applications of optical, photonic, imaging, and optoelectronic technologies. One award in each division. Award is $250, one year membership in SPIE, and a certificate. Presented by SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics.
Stockholm Junior Water Prize
For a superior water related project. Award is a student membership and a certificate. Presented by the California Water Environment Association.
UC Irvine, Earth System Science Award
For the project best demonstrating outstanding achievement in the study of Earth System Science. Award is $250. Presented by the University of California, Irvine, Department of Earth System Science.
UCLA Brain Research Institute Award
For outstanding science projects in all areas of neuroscience from molecules to mind. Two place awards in each division. First Place award is $100, and Second Place award is $50. Presented by the UCLA Brain Research Institute (BRI).


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California State Science Fair / 2012 Special and Recognition Awards / CalifSF@usc.edu