Home
FA's Big Day of Independent Research
Falmouth Academy’s 37th Annual Science & Engineering Fair and 3rd Extended Inquiry Showcase proved once again that FA students aren’t just learning—they’re investigating, innovating, and making real-world connections. Held on February 21, 2025, these events showcased over 120 original science projects and 28 Extended Inquiry (EI) projects, demonstrating months of research, problem-solving, and creativity.
A Tradition of Inquiry
Independent research is at the heart of an FA education. Whether designing scientific experiments, tackling pressing policy issues, or creating original works of art, FA students spend months exploring topics that inspire them. On fair day, each student presented their project to three judges from a panel of 70 local scientists and engineers, while EI projects were shared with faculty, peers, and the public in a showcase format—fostering an environment of intellectual challenge, creative risk-taking, and deep engagement. Embracing an environment of intellectual challenge, creative risk-taking, and deep engagement, students presented their findings with confidence and curiosity, bringing their months of hard work to life.
“The world our students will inherit is unpredictable. The problems they will solve may be beyond what we can currently imagine. That’s why the Science & Engineering Fair is designed to foster problem-solving and innovation,” said David Perry, FA's Head of School.
Top Honors in Scientific Research
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Award
David Aubrey ’26 - Biophysical Determinants of T-Cell Receptor Signaling in Danio rerio
Marine Biological Laboratory Award
Noah Leveque ’27 - The Living Machine: The Future of Water Purification?
Noah Leveque ’27 - The Living Machine: The Future of Water Purification?
SEA Education Association Award
Matthew Kellogg ’26 and Ryan Ronan ’26 -Examining the Forces That Drive a Crookes Radiometer
Matthew Kellogg ’26 and Ryan Ronan ’26 -Examining the Forces That Drive a Crookes Radiometer
Special awards recognized research in climate science, environmental studies, and water stewardship:
Woodwell Climate Research Award
Noah Leveque ’27 -The Living Machine: The Future of Water Purification?
Salt Pond Areas Bird Sanctuaries Awards
Elise Soule ’27, US 1st Place - Effects of Water Quality on Harmful Algal Growth
Sophie McSherry ’27, US 2nd Place - Ocean Acidification Mitigation Effects on Brachionus sp.
Lochlan Tyrrell-Evans ’30, MS Award - Sesarma vs. Fiddler Crab Burrows
Elise Soule ’27, US 1st Place - Effects of Water Quality on Harmful Algal Growth
Sophie McSherry ’27, US 2nd Place - Ocean Acidification Mitigation Effects on Brachionus sp.
Lochlan Tyrrell-Evans ’30, MS Award - Sesarma vs. Fiddler Crab Burrows
Falmouth Water Stewards Prize
Torsten Houtler '26 -The Effects of Different Types of Fertilizers on D. rerio
Torsten Houtler '26 -The Effects of Different Types of Fertilizers on D. rerio
Expanding Curiosity Across Disciplines
Juniors in FA’s Extended Inquiry (EI) program pushed the boundaries of research beyond science, tackling topics from environmental policy to technology, storytelling, and the arts. Working with mentors and faculty advisors Matt Barnes and Dan Nightingale, students developed original research papers and showcase-ready projects.
“This program builds on the strong foundation in research and presentation skills our students develop in earlier grades and invites them to explore something they’re passionate about,” said science teacher Dan Nightingale.
Here is a sampling of this year's Extended Inquiry projects:
Environmental Policy & Urban Planning
Faye McGuire ’26 – Lighter-than-air balloon bans
Sara Cook ’26 – Rethinking Main Street development
Economics & Climate Change
Ivy Homa ’26 – Island life vulnerabilities
Fletcher Parsons ’26 – Corporate consolidation in ski resorts
Engineering & Technology
Harrison Webb ’26 – Pizza oven construction
Arden O'Neil ’26 – Coding Pong and Tetris in Python
History & Cultural Research
Marc Djikaev ’26 – Soviet Union oral history
Wyatt Thornton ’26 and Abigail Brown ’26 – FA archival research
Design & Creative Expression
Annabelle Bush ’26 – Symbolism in embroidery
Caroline Cazeault ’26 – Ceramic dinnerware design
Congratulations to all the students for their creativity, dedication, and bold ideas!
© Falmouth Academy. All Rights Reserved.