It takes a small army to host the thousands of students who participate each year in the Southern Arizona Research, Science and Engineering Foundation’s annual science fair. And with the big event just a few months away, the nonprofit is looking to recruit a few hundred volunteers.

SARSEF is celebrating its 70th anniversary in the spring, and while the fair has touched the lives of countless kids and teens, it’s also had a big impact on the experts who volunteer their time as judges.

The organization is calling on science enthusiasts of all backgrounds — from seasoned professionals to those with a high school diploma and a science niche — to volunteer their time as a judge.

But SARSEF’s judges do more than just pick winners. They also help shape the future of science, engineering, and innovation, giving the next generation the boost they need to pursue careers in STEM.

Judging provides a meaningful way for industry experts to connect with students and encourage their aspirations. Whether judging projects from kindergarteners or high school seniors, volunteers in any STEM field can leave a lasting impression on students' lives.

In 2023, SARSEF hosted 1,559 projects created by 5,908 students, with 40% of those participants coming from Title I schools that receive federal funding to provide additional educational support to low-income students. SARSEF distributed 542 grand awards and 415 sponsored awards, adding up to more than $129,000 in awards and scholarships for students, teachers, and schools.

But SARSEF's impact goes beyond accolades. Of the participating students, 96% reported they felt empowered to make the world a better place through science and engineering.

Judges are tasked with three primary objectives: inspire, encourage and evaluate.

Each grade level has specific judging criteria, from encouraging curiosity and organization in younger students to analyzing creativity, scientific thought, and statistical rigor in high school projects.

"Anyone can judge at the science and engineering fair. For pre-k or middle school groups, you don’t even need an official science degree, just a high school diploma,” Emily Halvorson-Otts, a SARSEF judge, volunteer, and board chair, told Tucson Spotlight.

At the high school level, SARSEF prefers judges to have at least a bachelor’s degree in the field they’re judging, but advanced degrees aren’t required.

"Judges engage with students as young professionals, asking questions about their projects,” Halvorson-Otts said. “It’s a moment where students showcase their expertise, boosting their confidence and seeing themselves as future scientists or engineers.”

The work of SARSEF judges emphasizes the organization’s mission to make STEM education accessible to all learners.

Halvorson-Otts said that SARSEF focuses on Title I schools to create equitable opportunities that inspire curiosity, wonder, and critical thinking in students from all backgrounds.

"Receiving recognition for their intellect and creativity is huge for students,” she said. “For younger kids, it’s about celebrating their brains and hard work. For high school students, it’s about scholarships and showing them that STEM is cool. This recognition can propel them on their STEM journey.”

Halvorson-Otts said that judges are often amazed by the fair’s size, as it’s the largest pre-k through 12th-grade science fair in the world. She also emphasized the high quality of the projects and the professionalism of the students, whose work frequently compares to college-level research.

"I’ve seen students grow in confidence from year to year,” she said. “Some students even remember me as a judge and share updates about their work. It’s rewarding to witness their excitement and progress.”

SARSEF judges undergo training to ensure that they’re equipped to provide feedback that uplifts and inspires, with an emphasis on supporting innovation, creativity, and self-confidence. Even if a student’s science isn’t perfect, judges are taught to recognize the hard work behind it and encourage the student.

"It’s rewarding to know that I’ve made an impact, even in small ways,” Halvorson-Otts said. “For some students, an award or even positive feedback can be life-changing, inspiring them to pursue STEM careers.”

Angelina Maynes is a journalism major at the University of Arizona and reporter with Tucson Spotlight. Contact her at angelinamaynes@arizona.edu.

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