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60 First-Place Awards, 6 Perfect Scores, and 7 Special Awards at PJAS Regionals

It was a record-breaking year for EA Science as 85 Middle and Upper School students completed independent research projects and competed in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) Region 1A Competition on Saturday, Feb. 28, at E.T. Richardson Middle School.

Students earned an impressive 60 first-place awards and 25 second-place awards. The following students also received top individual distinctions:

  • Daniel Adibi '26 – Perfect Score; Judge's Award
  • Gabriella Burke '27 – Perfect Score; Judge's Award
  • Robbie Deirmengian '30 – Perseverance in Research Award
  • Zora Lewis '29 – Perfect Score
  • Elise Markle '30 – Perfect Score
  • Jaina Markle '28 – Perfect Score; Door Award for Innovation
  • Mahika Ralhan '26 – Perfect Score; Judge's Award
  • Myra Ralhan '29 – Robust Research Award
  • Angela Zhou '29 – Exceptional Analysis Award


Projects reflected a wide range of disciplines, including biochemistry, ecology, computer science, engineering, environmental science, mathematics, psychology, microbiology, and physics. From artificial intelligence and disease modeling to carbon capture, microplastics, antibiotic resistance, and the effects of music on cognition, students demonstrated creativity, depth of knowledge, and real-world application. See all student projects.

"I'm so amazed at the creativity and dedication the students exhibited throughout the process!" said Upper School Science Department Chair and PJAS Advisor Katie Colyer. "Each student develops their own research, so each project is unique. I love seeing the range of interests and topics. It was truly an impressive group!"

Emily Selfridge, Laura Mullan, Cheryl Cossel, Jenn Jones, Ron Smith, Matt Memmo, Hon., and Keenan Friend also serve as faculty mentors for PJAS.

Students will share their research and presentations during EA's STEMposium on April 14. Additionally, students who earned first-place awards will advance to the PJAS State Competition later this spring.

PJAS is a statewide organization that provides STEM research opportunities for students in grades 7-12. Each student selected a topic of interest, designed and conducted an independent research project, analyzed data, and presented findings to a panel of external judges.