IFRS Osório Campus wins seven awards at the Brazilian Science and Engineering Fair

Three projects of high school students from the Osório campus of the Federal Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (IFRS) have been awarded seven prizes at the 20th Brazilian Science and Engineering Fair (February). There were first and second places, two international prizes for participation in scientific events (one in the United States), distinguished units of the Federation – Rio Grande do Sul, and the Prize for a World Without Garbage.

The winning students are Amanda Ribeiro Machado, Viktoria Lil Altmaier Silva and Laura Needle Drips, from the Technical Management course; and Camille Pereira dos Santos, from the Computer Technologist Course. Professor Flavia Twardowski is supervising the three awarded works.

The acknowledgment record was announced by the IFRS Osório Campus last weekend. Promoted by the University of São Paulo (USP), February 2022 had a total of 497 final works, which were evaluated by experts from 14 countries in three evaluation rounds.

IFRS is represented by eight projects, from the Osório, Canoas and Caxias do Sul campuses.

See the winning projects at IFRS Osório Campus

“Development of bacterial cellulose from grape processing residues”by student Amanda Ribeiro Machado, from the Technical Course in Integrated Management to High School, under the guidance of Professor Flávia Twardowski.

about job: Waste from grape juice production and wine manufacturing has been converted into bacterial cellulose (a type of plastic), a biodegradable alternative to synthetic polymers (used to produce the most diverse things and materials) and also has potential for energy generation (it can be used, for example, in automobiles and homes). The transformation is done from a biotechnological process.

Awards

• First place in agricultural sciences – will receive a certificate, a medal, and the possibility of publishing an article in the journal Scientia Prima of the Brazilian Society for Scientific Incentives.
• Distinguished Federation Unit – Rio Grande do Sul – February Award for projects considered the best in each state.
• The Regeneron Isef Award – the international science and engineering fair – will give credentials to the show, the largest international fair of its kind, in Atlanta, United States, from May 7 to 13, 2022.

“Eco-socius: Youth Behavior of the North Coast of Rio Grande do Sul in the Circular Economy”by student Victoria Lil Altmaier Silva, from the Technical Course in Integrated Management to High School at the IFRS Osorio Campus, under the guidance of Professor Flavia Twardowski.

About the project: The student developed a method to explain the behavior of young people from the northern coast of Rio Grande do Sul in the circular economy, addressing aspects such as reducing consumption, reusing and recycling. The study showed that educational measures can encourage them to adopt socially and environmentally responsible consumption practices. Mathematical equations and multivariate analysis (observation of different properties) were used.

Awards

• 1st Place in Applied Social Sciences – will receive a certificate, a medal and the possibility of publishing an article in the journal Scientia Prima of the Brazilian Association for Scientific Incentives.
• First Place in a World Without Trash Award, from Movimento Circular – will receive a certificate, a circular economy course, and project mentorship.

Sustainpads: An affordable, eco-friendly alternative to sanitary pads, From Students: Laura Needle-Drips, From Technical Course in Integrated Management to High School. and Camille Pereira dos Santos, from the Technical Course in Integrated Informatics to High School at the Osório do IFRS Campus, under the guidance of Professor Flávia Twardowski.

About the projectThe students researched and developed absorbent materials from the fibers of the gujarra palm and the pseudobulb of the banana tree. They are cheaper and environmentally sustainable alternatives to making sanitary pads compared to cotton and commonly used plastics. The research seeks to contribute to reducing the problem of lack of access to appropriate menstrual health care products.

Awards

• Second place in the exact and earth sciences category on February 20 – receives certificates and medals
• Genius Olympiad Award – Obtain credentials to participate in the Genius Olympiad 2022 – International High School Environmental Project Olympiad, organized by Terra Science and Education and State University of New York, which will actually take place in June 2022.