A student standing in front of the photo wall at the west virginia state science and engineering fair holding up a certificate.

KCS Students Earn Top Honors and International Qualification at State Science Fair

Kanawha County Schools

March 17, 2026

Kanawha County Schools students once again proved that curiosity, creativity, and hard work lead to incredible results.

a group picture of students that competed at the wv state science fair.At this year’s West Virginia State Science Fair, students from across the district earned top placements in a wide range of categories, from chemistry and engineering to biomedical science and mathematics. Their projects tackled real-world challenges, explored innovative ideas, and showcased the kind of critical thinking that defines the next generation of leaders.

International Honors

Highlighting this year’s achievements, Iqraa Zaman of George Washington High School earned 1st place in Division III Translational Medical Sciences and qualified for the prestigious Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Iqraa’s project explored complex genetic survival mechanisms in glioblastoma, demonstrating an impressive level of research and scientific understanding.

We are proud of every student who represented Kanawha County Schools with excellence.

State Science Fair Results — KCS

Division I – Chemistry
2nd Place
In Which Container Will the Ice Cream Melt the Fastest?
— Toleen Alkhawlani (Chamberlain Elementary)
— Sanaa Farran (Kanawha County Schools Virtual Program)
— Maryam Branion (Kanawha County Schools Virtual Program)

Division II – Mathematics and Data
Honorable Mention
The Speed of Different Sorting Algorithms Technology
—Nathaniel Dodd (John Adams Middle School)

Division III – Biomedical and Health Sciences
3rd Place
Genetic and Molecular Biology of Disease
— Shrija Malkaram (GWHS)

Division III – Cellular and Molecular Biology
2nd Place
Mitigating Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Through Omega-3 Enrichment in Spinach Leaves
— Manvitha Sanjaya (GWHS)
— Charvitha Sanjaya (GWHS)

Division III – Engineering Technology: Statics and Dynamics
2nd Place
Hybrid Nozzle Design and Optimization for Adaptive Thrust Efficiency Across Varying Altitudes
— Henry Davis (GWHS)
— Ian Osborne (GWHS)

Division III – Mathematics
2nd Place
Lionel Messi: A Star Player's Impacts on MLS Games
— Hope Wu (GWHS)

Division III – Translational Medical Sciences
1st Place – ISEF Qualifier
Investigating TRPV-1 Dependent Genetic Survival in Glioblastoma: MAPK Signaling and Noncoding RNA Biomarkers Under Cytotoxic Stress
— Iqraa Zaman (GWHS)

A Team Effort

These accomplishments reflect not only the dedication of our students, but also the support of their teachers, families, and school communities.

The future is bright in Kanawha County Schools, and it’s being built one project at a time.