Nearly 200 high school students competed at the 2022 Science Olympiad on Friday, Oct. 14.

The Faculty of Science hosts the annual competition for Grade 11 and 12 students who are passionate about science. This year saw the return of in-person science challenges.

“This was the first time the event was held back in-person since 2019, so it was definitely nerve-wracking but also exciting,” says lead student organizer Joshua Mathews, a third-year integrative biology major.

He credits experiential learning specialist and the events committee for tireless work in the weeks leading up to the event.

“When it all came together, the event went very smoothly and was fun for everyone,” Matthews says.

The competitors engage in a series of 30-minute events related to disciplines in science, such as “Medical Microbe Mysteries” for biomedical science and integrative biology and “Eyeball Benders,” a general science trivia quiz.

Mathews took part in Science Olympiad himself when he was in high school.

“I had lots of fun competing in it and was lucky enough to take home some prizes with my team,” says Mathews. “Having the chance to give this opportunity to the next generation of students for the first time in person since the year that I competed was an amazing experience.”

Tecumseh Vista Academy took top honours in a field of 32 teams representing 18 schools.

Each member of the winning team will receive a $1,500 scholarship to a program of study in the UWindsor Faculty of Science. A $1,000 scholarship was awarded to each member of the team that took second place and $500 went to those in third place.

“The highlight of my day was the closing ceremonies when everyone was in one room awaiting the results of the competition and you could feel the tension in the room,” says Mathews.

“When the top three teams were announced, there was so much joy and cheering. It was awesome to see the students so excited and proud of their accomplishments.”