FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [ST. PAUL, MN, April 1, 2022] -- Judges at the 85th annual Minnesota State Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF) awarded Milan Darji, an eighth-grader at Minnetonka East Middle School, the middle school Seagate Rising Star Award for his project titled There’s Not An App For That! A Novel Clinical Assessment Tool To Predict Heart Failure Patient Outcomes. This award recognizes an emerging student scientist whose project not only exemplifies excellence but also demonstrates a high degree of difficulty, complexity, innovation, and effective communication. The winner receives a $1,500 award, a Seagate hard drive and a trophy. The presentation video, as well as full SSEF results, are available at mnmas.org.

A judge providing feedback on Milan’s project remarked “Milan’s project adheres to Seagate’s core values of Integrity, Innovation and Inclusiveness by making the medical assessment tool easier to use with increased access for patients and medical staff both locally and around the world irrespective of social or economic status.”

In addition to the middle school and high school Rising Star Awards, Seagate also recognizes excellent scientific research conducted by students competing for the first time with the Seagate Emerging Scientist Award. Seagate also sponsors the Excellence in Science Mentoring Award, given to two science teachers who have found creative ways to nurture students’ interest in scientific inquiry and promote science education in their schools. 

The 2022 SSEF was a hybrid event hosted by the Minnesota Academy of Science (MAS) from March 20-31. At a live award ceremony on March 30, Seagate representative Nikki Shaffer announced the Seagate Rising Star Award winners. Ms. Shaffer congratulated and encouraged all SSEF participants, remarking “Seagate’s involvement in science fairs is an investment in hands-on science education and is intended to inspire students to pursue careers in STEM. We know that participating in events like this can be a valuable stepping stone to a future career in a STEM field.”

Seagate is a long-time sponsor and supporter of the SSEF, and is one of the event’s premier sponsors. “Seagate’s continued support is critical to encouraging scientific research and education in Minnesota,” said MAS Executive Director Lara Maupin. Employees at Seagate served as volunteer judges during the SSEF, reviewing student projects from home to provide feedback and determine award winners. 

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The Minnesota State Science & Engineering Fair is a program of the Minnesota Academy of Science. Seagate Technology remains the event’s premier sponsor. Additional support comes from the Minnesota Department of Education, Ecolab, Broadcom Foundation, General Mills, and the Hardenbergh Foundation.