By MC2 Shawn J. Stewart

Dr. Roberto Christi of the NPS Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering presents certificates to two honorees during the 2015 Monterey County Science and Engineering Fair held at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB), March 15. Nearly 50 NPS faculty, students and staff volunteered their time and expertise to the event.

"This year we had over 80 judges to include about 50 NPS students and faculty," said Christi. "I tasked our judges with helping the participants improve the quality of their projects. We must encourage them to reach higher every time, this type of help will solidify their enthusiasm in science."

Four NPS faculty, including Cristi, Senior Lecturer Bard Mansager, Oceanographer Mike Cook and Associate Professor Scott Davis, volunteered on the fair's Scientific Review Committee. During the fair, participants had to interview with judges to prove their understanding of the scientific concepts and research methods demonstrated in their projects.

University Provost Dr. Douglas A. Hensler, along with Monterey Country Superintendent of Schools Dr. Nancy Kotowski and CSUMB Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Bonnie Irwin, had the privilege of presenting awards to the science fair's winners.

"At CSUMB, we're really happy to collaborate with all of the colleges and universities in the region," said Irwin. "I was thrilled to see NPS here, I am glad that we could [work] with them and the county school district to give this experience to students, and also to congratulate them on their efforts … They all did wonderful work."