In March 2024, Plano Independent School District (ISD) students showcased their talents at the Texas Science and Engineering Fair (TXSEF) in College Station. Over two days, more than 1,200 students from across the state competed in various scientific categories. Among them, 13 students from Plano ISD stood out, earning a total of 23 awards and distinctions.
Prisha Bhat, a student from Plano East Senior High School, was one of the standout performers at TXSEF. She took home the prestigious ‘Best in the State of Texas’ award in life science for her project on aqua-arsenic remediation. Bhat’s project focused on enhancing plant tolerance to drought and arsenic contamination through innovative methods.
Eleven senior division students from Plano ISD also secured top positions in their categories, earning spots at the Governor’s Science and Technology Champions Academy. Additionally, one junior division student placed first in their category and has been nominated to apply to the Thermo Fisher Science Junior Innovators Challenge.
Two seniors from Plano ISD have also qualified for the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), alongside seven qualifiers from the Dallas Regional Science and Engineering Fair. They will present their projects on the global stage in Dallas, Texas, from May 12 to 17, 2024.
Several special awards were presented to outstanding projects at TXSEF. Hiruni Wansapura from Robinson Middle School received the ‘Engineers of Tomorrow Award’ for her work in environmental engineering while Andy Qin from Plano West Senior High School received the Samsung Award for his project in systems software.
Another notable achievement by a Plano ISD student was Faizan Zaki’s win at the Dallas Regional Spelling Bee for the third time with his winning word “kurgan”. Zaki earned himself a spot at the National Scripps Spelling Bee where he will represent his school and district against other talented spellers across
