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SCHOOLS
Fairland junior presents research at national science fair
Fairland High School junior Robert Gregory Hinshaw presented his science fair project in San Diego Feb. 17, at the American Association for the Advancement of Science on behalf of The Ohio Academy of Science.
HUNTINGTON -- Fairland High School junior Robert Gregory Hinshaw presented his science fair project in San Diego on Feb. 17 at the American Association for the Advancement of Science on behalf of The Ohio Academy of Science.
The students met peers from 25 other states and interact with world-known scientists to discuss their research on topics as wide ranging as alternative fuels to medical advances.
Hinshaw was one of 14 students selected by state Academy of Science to participate. He also was named an honorary Fellows of The American Junior Academy of Science, which is the only U.S. honor society recognizing America's premier high school students for outstanding scientific research.
Hinshaw's project, Chemical Comparisons of the Ohio River and its Tributaries, produced staggering results in the two years since he first did the project as a freshman.
He found that many of the tributaries are much more polluted than the Ohio River, mostly with E. coli bacteria. He said it comes from poor waste water treatment, overrunning septic systems and people dumping into the tributaries.
Hinshaw said his science teacher, Tim Hayes, is helping to make his findings known to environmental officials in an effort to utilize the findings.
Making a difference, he said, is what made this project worth it.
"Find a way to make your project relevant to the community," Hinshaw said, advising other students working on science projects. "Have a higher purpose to your project than just a passing grade."
He said he plans to further his research and present again at the national level next year, where he has earned an automatic invitation.
He is the son of Greg and Susan Hinshaw of Proctorville. He plans to attend college and study bioengineering.
