850 good news: Local high school student competes at international science fair – WJHG

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – A Magnet Innovation Center STEAM High School student competed against top young scientists from around the world at the International Science and Engineering Fair.
Elisabeth Wallace recently represented Florida’s East Panhandle region at the competition.
“It was really shocking. I was very excited about it, but I wasn’t expecting that at all,” Wallace said. “I had competed against some really amazing projects at my regional level, I was very surprised it was me that was chosen but I was so thankful for it. It was an amazing experience.”
Wallace’s project focused on creating a more sustainable super-absorbing polymer material commonly found in products like diapers.
“I created a new process to create that polymer, making it overall a more sustainable polymer,” she said.
Wallace said months of research and preparation helped make the project a success.
Dr. Margaret Aresco, an instructor at the Magnet Innovation Center STEAM High School, said Wallace’s dedication stood out from the beginning.
“She worked so hard on this project from the beginning all the way through taking data up until the very last minute,” Aresco said.
Wallace said one of the best parts of the experience was meeting students from around the world who shared her love for science.
“If I hadn’t kept trying, I wouldn’t have made it to this level,” The student said.
Wallace said she hopes younger students feel inspired to keep chasing their own dreams. She said the experience grew her love for science and showed her how big dreams can take you around the world.
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