Kid geniuses: Fame, fortune, and science fairs

Conclusion

In the Jersey City School District, science students are stars—the STS winners and their teacher were showered with gifts from school officials and even given jackets with school letters that are usually worn by athletes. Andrew Yeager, who is director of stem cell transplantation at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, would like to see similar attention showered on all scientists.

“When we think about how much professional sports figures make, I’m trying to figure out, are we a better country, a better world because of ... people beating Babe Ruth’s record? Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy watching sports and going to games, but shouldn’t we be identifying and shouldn’t we be encouraging accomplishments in things that, maybe not immediately but over time are going to lead to a better world? Better health, better living conditions, newer materials, newer technologies. Isn’t it right, isn’t it appropriate that we should seek out, identify, reward, and encourage the passion for and accomplishment in science and technology?”

At least within the world of STS, Siemens Westinghouse, and ISEF, Yearger’s dream is a reality.