IRMO, S.C. — Four biomedical science students who train at a School District Five campus in Irmo will carry South Carolina to a national youth research gathering after taking first place in their categories at the state junior science competition.
The students study at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies, the district career and technical campus. One attends Irmo High and three attend Spring Hill High. Each won a category at the state junior science academy contest on the Furman University campus, which makes them South Carolina delegates when the national youth academy meets in Chicago in February 2027.
The Irmo High student tested how storage and cleaning habits change the amount of bacteria that builds up on a toothbrush, a consumer science entry. The Spring Hill trio built an engineering project on tracking whether kidneys stay viable through cold storage.
Their research is paid for through grants arranged with help from the District 5 Foundation. At the national meeting, the delegates will show their work, tour labs, meet working scientists and be inducted into the academy with a lifetime fellowship.
National organizers leave delegate picks to each state or regional science academy, so students do not apply on their own. Conference organizers have booked the Hyatt Regency Chicago on East Wacker as the host hotel for students and chaperones.
Their instructor at The Center said he hopes the four come home with advice and ideas for future careers in health care and research.
Section: More Irmo SC education news
Irmo education business profiles
Filed under: Irmo SC Education News