Ava Canney, a Year 10 student at St Mary’s College, is this week attending the prestigious Broadcom MASTERS (Math, Applied Science, Technology and Engineering for Rising Stars), a global event that rewards and celebrates mastery of 21st century skills in science, technology, engineering and maths among middle school science fair participants.
As one of only 25 awardees globally to have been selected to receive an award for excellence in Science, Ava travelled to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA to attend the fair from May 13th -17th. Students have been chosen from 20 countries globally including India, China and the USA.
Ava’s journey began with her success at the Young Innovators’ Competition in Belfast in 2017 and from here she gained an award at the BT Young Scientist of the Year in January 2018 and further recognition at the Big Bang competition in Birmingham in March 2018.
The journey has now taken her to the global science fair where the success of young and up-and-coming scientists are recognised and celebrated.
Ava’s Chemistry project specifically focused on measuring the amount of various synthetic dyes in a selection of coloured foods and drinks, using a homemade spectrophotometer, and her selection for this award and trip was based primarily on the outstanding quality of her research topic.
Part of this trip involves visiting world-renowned science research centres including the Carnegie Mellon University, Senator John Heinz History Centre and the Phipps Conservatory.
A key aspect of the week also involves Ava presenting her project to the other 24 students and organisers. Mrs Ann Blanking, teacher-in-charge, has overseen the process in conjunction with Ava’s proud parents.
A St Mary's spokesperson said: "This is an outstanding accolade for Ava and St Mary’s College is very proud of her achievements in science to date. We wish her well on her trip and look forward to her reporting back to us on her return."
Pictured above: St Mary's College Year 10 student, Ava Canney, pictured before leaving for the US receiving tickets from Mr Mark Logue, Head of Science, and Mr Brendan McGinn, Deputy Principal.
If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.
