More than 300 Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) high school students participated in the 44th Annual LCPS Regional Science and Engineering Fair (RSEF) March 11-12, 2026, at Tuscarora High School. Eight student finalists were selected to participate in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2026, the world’s largest pre-college STEM competition, May 10- 15, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.
Avighna Wuthoo, 12th Grade, Independence High School
PROJECT TITLE: Development of Spatially Engineered Microtextures Inspired by Lotus Leaf Structures for Enhanced Passive Photovoltaic Surface Cleaning
Catherine Veselovskiy, 12th Grade, Independence High School
PROJECT TITLE: Development of Spatially Engineered Microtextures Inspired by Lotus Leaf Structures for Enhanced Passive Photovoltaic Surface Cleaning
Andrew Olejer, 12th Grade, Woodgrove High School
PROJECT TITLE: Computational Auditory Recognition Ocular Lens (C.A.R.O.L.)
Lucas Fletcher, 12th Grade, Woodgrove High School
PROJECT TITLE: Computational Auditory Recognition Ocular Lens (C.A.R.O.L.)
Isaac Pingry, 12th Grade, Heritage High School, Academy of Engineering & Technology
PROJECT TITLE: Optimizing Composite 3D Printed Running Shoe Plates as a Replacement to Expensive Carbon-Fiber Standards
Ishita Goel, 11th Grade, Riverside High School, Academy of Engineering & Technology
PROJECT TITLE: Development of an Autonomous UAV for Infrastructure Mapping and CNN Detection-based Diagnostics via 3D Gaussian Splatting
Jeslene Kaur, 11th Grade, John Champe High School, Academy of Engineering & Technology
PROJECT TITLE: Development of an Autonomous UAV for Infrastructure Mapping and CNN Detection-based Diagnostics via 3D Gaussian Splatting
Gwenyth Mayo, 12th Grade, Woodgrove High School
PROJECT TITLE: Engineering a wearable device for adjunctive breast cancer treatment utilizing electro-assisted delivery of Epigallocatechin-Gallate
In addition to the finalists, Abdullah Abujoudeh, 12th grade, Potomac Falls High School, received the annual Willowcroft Science Scholarship. The $7,000 scholarship, sponsored by Willowcroft Farm Vineyards since 1991, was awarded to Abujoudeh for his overall potential for success in science.
Willowcroft Farm Vineyards also recognized Mario Saavedra, a Science teacher at the Potomac Fall High School, with a $7,000 award for her work in science with students.
This annual fair provides high school students with an opportunity to explore real-world challenges through scientific research and engineering design. Students presented original projects across a wide range of STEM disciplines, applying classroom learning to authentic problems while developing skills such as problem-solving, communication and perseverance.
More information, including all category and special award winners, can be found on the RSEF website.