The senior research project is a unique aspect of CBGS, and is key to developing students who understand the process and importance of scientific inquiry. CBGS students accomplish this by making novel discoveries in our complex world through a year-long endeavor which they carry out from conception to public dissemination. Many of these students’ hard work allows them to compete with peers across the Commonwealth for awards and scholarships at the Virginia Junior Academy of Sciences (VJAS). The Foundation grants money for registration and student travel to VJAS so finances are not a barrier to this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Additionally, the CBGS Foundation started a mini-grant program in 2019 to assist students in purchasing supplies to complete their senior projects. The mini-grant program allows for research opportunities and experiences the students otherwise may not have been able to pursue.
2020 VJAS
Although the 2020 VJAS symposium was moved online due to COVID-19, CBGS students continued to excel, presenting their projects live through Zoom video conferences. 42 CBGS students were accepted to the symposium, and 10 students were recognized for their accomplishments.
Anna Jett, First Place, Earth and Environmental Science
The Effect of pH Change on the Luminescence of Bioluminescent Phytoplankton
Patrick Stone, First Place, Earth and Environmental Science
Large Scale Climate Oscillations’ Effect on River Discharge in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Meghan Gilmer, Second Place, Psychology
How the Chameleon Effect Influences Cooperative Behavior
Caela Gilsinan, Second Place, Earth and Environmental Science
Can Oyster Aquaculture Provide High Quality Habitat in the Chesapeake Bay?
Sierra Funk, Third Place, Earth and Environmental Science
Observations on Tidal Currents and Circulation in Urbanna Creek
Kathleen Carter, Third Place, Mathematics Theoretical and Modeling
Using Makeup Styles to Decrease Facial Recognition Software Effectiveness
Alyrica Kelley, Third Place, Psychology
Key Factors that Affect the Failure and Duration of a Romantic Relationship
Justin Burgess, Honorable Mention, Chemistry
Carbonate Dissolution Rates in Varied Substrates in a Carbon Dioxide Enriched Environment
Caroline Andrews, Honorable Mention, Earth and Environmental Science
Effects of Salinity and Turbidity on Density and Growth of Phragmites australis and Spartina patens
Jordan Yocum, Honorable Mention, Earth and Environmental Science
A Comparison of the Biodiversity and Species Richness of Bird Species in Native and Invasive Habitats
2019 VJAS
CBGS sent 34 students to VJAS in 2019. At the symposium, students performed exceedingly well with seven honorable mentions, five 3rd place finishes, one 2nd place finish, and three 1st place finishes in their respective categories. Furthermore, two students won named awards, three were invited to give presentations at the Virginia Academy of Sciences, and one student received a $5000 scholarship!
2019 VJAS Winners Picture
