Science & Engineering Fairs

Congratulations to our ACSEF and CCCSEF award recipients this year! Four projects from DSRSD's service area were presented at the May 6, 2025 DSRSD Board Meeting and were recognized by the Board of Directors with certificates:

• "Autonomous Solar Powered Robot for Cleaning Trash in Rivers" Dhyan Vakharia, Quarry Lane High School  
• "Degradation of Bilge Water Hydrocarbons via Titanium Dioxide Photocatalysis" Claudine Heine, Chris Chen, and Anannya Kaur, Valley Christian High School
• "Phosphobuddy: A Novel 3-Tiered Filtration Device for Wastwater Phosphorus Absorption" Navya Rawal, Richa Tiwari, Diya Rajaram, Aarush De, Dougherty Valley High School
• "Revolutionizing Polluted Water Treatment: Utilizing Laccase-Loaded Membrane Bioreactors for Sustainable Pollutant Degradation and Water Purification" Pranav Saravanan, Alana Deron, Dougherty Valley High School

About Science and Engineering Fairs

The water industry offers a world of opportunity to students interested in science, engineering, and technology. And there’s no better way to get started than by participating in the science and engineering fairs held annually in Alameda County and Contra Costa County. Students in 6th through 12th grades do original hands-on research and compete for local recognition, plus the opportunity to move on to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair.

Students also compete for a wide range of special awards in specific disciplines, including the Excellence in Water, Wastewater or Recycled Water Research Awards. Sponsored by 18 water and wastewater agencies in the East Bay, the awards recognize outstanding student projects related to water, wastewater or recycled water.

Scientists and engineers judge the projects, giving students the chance to meet and talk with working professionals in the water industry. Winners receive cash awards and recognition at the fair and in their local community. 

Science Fair Information for Students, Teachers, and Parents

Visit the fair websites for complete information on how to participate.

• Alameda County Science and Engineering Fair (ACSEF)
• Contra Costa County Science and Engineering Fair (CCCSEF)

As part of ACSEF, Alameda County students must self-nominate their projects for consideration in special award categories. 

Contra Costa County students do not apply separately for special awards in CCCSEF. Projects related to water, wastewater, and recycled water are automatically considered for the Excellence in Water, Wastewater or Recycled Water Research Awards during fair judging.