Students and Professors Collaborate to Celebrate STEM Excellence

Cornell Hosts 200 Teams in STEM Competitions During Science Olympiad

The regional Science Olympiad recently brought together around 40 Cornell students and several professors who volunteered to support middle and high school students from Mount Vernon as they showcased their STEM knowledge. The event, which marked its sixth year, was held on February 22 as part of a collaboration between the Mount Vernon Community School District and Cornell. Students competed in various events covering subjects such as earth science, biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering. Cornell facilitated approximately half of the activities-14 events for around 200 high school teams - at the Russell Science Center.

Charley Liberko, a chemistry professor at Cornell and the event's organiser, remarked on the advantages of hosting the competition at the university, emphasising its modern science facilities and ample lab space resources that are not available at local middle and high schools. He also praised the impressive volunteer effort by Cornell students, whose collective hours significantly contributed to the event’s success.

Senior student Elin Kairies, a biochemistry and molecular biology major, led the coordination of Cornell’s student volunteers. She expressed her enthusiasm about the event, noting how fulfilling it was to see the collaboration come together. Kairies, who also serves as the president of Cornell’s Chemistry Club, explained that organizing and participating in the Olympiad provides an opportunity for greater community engagement and fosters a strong connection between Cornell students and the local area.

Students from diverse groups, including the Engineering Club, Greek Life, and even the university's football team, volunteered to assist with various tasks during the event. They proctored exams, guided participants, and ensured all activities adhered to safety rules. Some volunteers even visited the middle school to score exams and present awards to the young participants. Cindy Strong, another professor of chemistry at Cornell, observed students as they worked on their experiments and provided guidance when needed. Meanwhile, younger students from Iowa and nearby Midwest states not only had the chance to compete but also experienced what it was like to be on Cornell’s campus. They left the event with free Cornell merchandise, which organizers hoped would inspire some of them to consider joining the university in the future.

Professor Liberko highlighted the personal significance of the event, sharing that his children had previously participated in the Science Olympiad and found it to be a formative experience. He added that his son, Mark Liberko, who is currently a Cornell student, carried on this tradition by supervising one of the middle school events during this year’s competition. According to Liberko, the event helps foster diverse academic experiences and enhances participants’ problem-solving skills. The 2025 Science Olympiad was deemed a resounding success, with Professor Liberko expressing optimism about next year’s event. Winners from this regional competition will advance to state and national-level Science Olympiad contests, continuing their journey of academic and personal growth through STEM.

Editor's Note:

The regional Science Olympiad is an inspiring reminder of how academic and community partnerships can nurture the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers. By connecting local students with university resources and mentorship, the event offers a unique opportunity for participants to explore STEM in a hands-on, engaging way. Cornell University's dedication to hosting such initiatives demonstrates the lasting impact that institutions can have on their communities. Moreover, the Olympiad underscores the value of fostering curiosity and academic excellence at an early age. Through volunteer efforts and collaborative spirit, events like this lay a strong foundation for young minds to flourish in STEM fields.

Skoobuzz believes that the participants not only gain exposure to rigorous scientific disciplines but also develop critical problem-solving skills that will benefit them in future academic and professional endeavors.