FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE [ST. PAUL, MN, April 6, 2022] -- Judges at the 85th annual Minnesota State Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF) awarded Elizabeth Levinshteyn, a ninth-grader at Spring Lake Park High School, the high school Seagate Rising Star Award for her project titled A Look Into the TINY Earth: Finding Antibiotic Producing Bacteria in Yellowstone Soil. 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. In addition to a Seagate hard drive and trophy, the winner receives a $2,000 award. Presentation videos, as well as full SSEF results, are available at mnmas.org.

A judge providing feedback on Elizabeth’s project remarked, “her work is not only reflective of the apex of high school science but may also be an important contribution to medicine. Her project demonstrates high integrity in her diligence to the scientific method.”

In addition to the high school and middle 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 the 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. 

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.