The 55th Mobile Regional Science & Engineering Fair was held recently at the University of South Alabama Mitchell Center and Student Center Ballroom. A record number of more than 570 students from several southwestern Alabama counties competed for more than 80 awards, including two four-year, full-tuition scholarships to USA.

"This year's event is a smashing success, far in excess of my expectations," said Dr. James Connors, director of the Mobile Regional Science & Engineering Fair, and an assistant professor of geology at USA. "We've seen attendance increase an average of 27 percent per year since 2006 when the University got heavily involved."

	Area students participate in the 55th Mobile Regional Science & Engineering Fair

Prior to 2006, the fair was briefly discontinued due to declining participation. In 2006, the participation was around 200 students.

The Mobile Regional Science & Engineering Fair is held each spring at USA. Participation is open to all 6th- through 12th-grade public, private, and home schooled students in Mobile, Baldwin, Washington, Covington, Clarke, Escambia, Wilcox, Monroe, Conecuh, and Butler counties.

Participants compete for many awards, including the USA scholarships and entry into the International Science and Engineering Fair for the top two high school division winners.

Top middle school winners receive free passes to the USA College of Engineering's Summer Robotics Camp and the Department of Earth Sciences' Summer Geology Camp. The top two winners in each category may also advance to the state science fair competition in Huntsville.

To view a complete list of 2010 MRSEF Winners, click here.