California State Science Fair — 2015
Special Awards


CAPCA Excellence in Production Agriculture 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 $1000. Presented by the California Association of Pest Control Advisors (CAPCA).
Center for 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 and an invitation to the Annual CEPCEB Award Symposium at UC Riverside. Presented by the Center for Plant Cell Biology of the University of California, Riverside.
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 student membership in CSBPA, California Chapter. Presented by the California Shore & Beach Preservation Association.
Excellence in Environmental Education Award
For projects that best exemplify the role of environmental education in advancing science education in the state. One award in each division. Award is $500. Each student’s school will also receive $300 for its science department. Presented by the California Environmental Education Foundation (CEEF).
LA BioMed Award for Excellence in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
For achievement in the field of Biochemistry/ Molecular Biology. Limited to projects in the Senior Division. Award is $1000. Presented by the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center (LA BioMed).
Math Teachers Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Software
For achievement in mathematics and software studies. This is a tribute to all mathematics and science teaching professionals. Limited to projects in the Senior Division. Award is $500. Presented anonymously.
Raytheon Junior Achievement Award
For those projects which demonstrate the greatest potential with ability of achieving technological breakthroughs in the six areas of computer science, electrical engineering, materials engineering, mathematics, mechanical engineering, and physics. Limited to projects in the Junior Division. Award is $500. Presented by the Raytheon Asian Pacific Association (RAPA) – Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems Company.
Science Teachers Award for Excellence in Electronics and Electromagnetics
For achievement in electronics and electromagnetics studies. Limited to projects in the Senior Division. Award is $500. Presented anonymously.
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. Award is a custom designed silicon die. Presented by Dale L. Hall, Senior Engineer Scientist, retired, TRW Space & Electronics.
South Coast AQMD Air Quality or Climate Change Award
For the best air quality and/or climate change project based on scientific method, clarity of presentation, and the relevance of the results. One award in each division. Award is $1500. Presented by the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
Southern California BioGENEius Award
For excellence in original research in biotechnology and the biomedical sciences. Limited to projects in the Senior Division. Award is and all-expenses paid trip (travel, lodging, membership) for award winner (and chaperone) to compete in the International BioGENEius Competition in June 2015 at the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) meeting in Philadelphia. Honorable Mentions are alternates to the BioGENEius Competition if the award winner is unable to participate. Presented by the Southern California Biomedical Council.
SPIE Optics & Photonics Award
For the project best demonstrating scientific research and engineering applications of optics, photonics, and related fields. In the Senior Division, First Place is $800, Second Place receives $500. In the Junior Division Award is $500. Presented by SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics.
Sushila & Chandi Charan Kar Award
For an outstanding project in the health sciences, especially with humanitarian consequences and excellence in originality of the idea and understanding of the experimental process. Award is $500. Presented by the Sheila Kar Health Foundation.
Award S0527, Rebecca M. Sine, Los Angeles County (Not present at Awards Ceremony)
Teachers Award for Excellence in Materials Science
For achievement in materials science research and applications. Limited to projects in the Junior Division. Award is $500. Presented anonymously.
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. Presented by the UCLA Brain Research Institute (BRI).
Senior Division S1427, Utkarsh Tandon, Santa Clara County (Not present at Awards Ceremony)




California State Science Fair — 2015
Recognition Awards


Biophysics Award
For the best biophysics related project. Limited to projects in the Senior Division. Award is $100. Presented by the Biophysical Society
Bone Clones Mammalian Biology Award
For outstanding performance in biology. Limited to projects in the Junior Division. Award is an exact osteological reproduction of a Brown Bear 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. Limited to students in grades 7-11. Award is $100, an plaque, and awardee competes for CAPS statewide Outstanding Young Scientist Award. Presented by the California Association of Professional Scientists.
CCGO-AIPG Geoscience Award
For an outstanding project in the field of geosciences. One award in each division. Award is $250. Honorable Mention receives a certificate. Presented by the American Institute of Professional Geologists, California Section, and the California Council of Geoscience Organizations.
Honorable Mention J0806, George J. Khouri, III, Los Angeles County (Not available for presentation)
Honorable Mention J1004, Somil Bhushan, San Diego County (Not available for presentation)
Center for 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 $100 and an invitation to the Annual CEPCEB Award Symposium at UC Riverside. Presented by the Center for Plant Cell Biology of the University of California, Riverside.
Clinical Chemistry Award
For interesting and original projects that impact the future of clinical chemistry. Three awards in each division. Award is $250 in the Senior Division, $150 in the Junior Division. 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 student 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 projects in the Junior Division. Award is an exact osteologic reproduction of a bobcat skull. Presented by the Hauta Wissmann Foundation.
Nature-Watch Mammalian Biology Award
For excellence in mammalian biology. Limited to projects in the Junior Division. Award is an exact osteologic reproduction of a Grizzly Bear skull. Presented by Nature-Watch.
Plug-In America EV Excellence Award
For the best project demonstrating the benefits of plug-in vehicles or advancing the state of vehicle electrification. Award $200 divided between the Senior Division winners, $100 divided between the Junior Division winners. Presented by Plug-In America.
Skulls Unlimited Recognition Award
For outstanding performance in mammalian biology. Limited to projects in the Junior Division. Award is an exact osteological reproduction of #1, an American Beaver, #2, a Coyote, and #3, a Raccoon. Presented by Skulls Unlimited International, Inc.
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. First Place is $200; Second Place is $100. 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 optics, photonics, and related fields. This is a continuation of the Special Award listed above. The award is $300 in the Senior Division and $200 in the Junior Division. Presented by SPIE, the International Society for Optics and Photonics.
UC Irvine Earth System Science Award
For the project best demonstrating outstanding achievement in the study of Earth System Science. Limited to projects in the Senior Division. 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. This is a continuation of the Special Award listed above. Second Place award is $100, and Third Place award is $50. Presented by the UCLA Brain Research Institute (BRI).


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California State Science Fair / 2015 Special and Recognition Awards / CalifSF@usc.edu