Awards

Due to the generosity of our sponsors and special award donors, over $60,000 in cash awards, school grants and trips are provided to recognize the hard work and success of our students!

Grand Awards

Four Grand Award Winners, Senior Division only, are selected from the First and Second Place Winners in each category and represent Region IX in the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Transportation and living expenses are provided for them to attend the Fair. Two teachers will also be selected to attend ISEF.  Each Grand Award Winner receives a plaque from Region IX. 

Two Grand Award Winners, Junior Division are selected from the First Place Winners in each category, and each Grand Award Winner receives a $100 gift certificate and a plaque from Region IX.

Finalists in each category of both divisions become certified for entry in the Louisiana Science and Engineering Fair (LSEF) conducted at LSU in Baton Rouge. The number of finalists allowed to enter the state fair is determined by LSEF and varies by year.

GNOSEF Cash Awards

Cash awards are given by the Fair in each category.

 

Junior Division

Senior Division

1. First Place

$50 and medal

$75 and medal

2. Second Place

$30 and medal

$50 and medal

3. Third Place

$15 and medal

$25 and medal

4. Honorable Mention

$10

$15

Junior Division GNOSEF Teacher/Mentor Recognition Awards

A total of $1000 in cash prizes will be awarded to teachers/mentors (excluding parents and GNOSEF board, committee members and volunteers) who have gone the extra mile to support many students’ successful competition in the Greater New Orleans Science and Engineering Fair in the Junior Division.

Social Media Awards

Prizes (valued at > $50 each) will be awarded to a first place winner for both middle school and high school categories.  A second prize (valued at $25) will be awarded to a middle school or high school student, not necessarily a GNOSEF participant, who participated in the GNOSE Social Media Contest. Winners will be selected at random for their #GNOSEF social media post interactions. GNOSEF participants and social media spectators who use the hashtag #GNOSEF on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram posts between now and Feb. 26th will be entered to win with one entry for each time the hashtag is posted. If a relevant picture or video is posted along with the #GNOSEF hashtag, the participant’s name will be entered twice. (Phones may be brought into the GNOSEF in order to participate during the fair.)

2025 GNOSEF Winners

Junior Division Category Winners

Senior Division Category Winners

Junior Division Special Award and Grand Award Winners

Senior Division Special Award and Grand Award Winners

*** Special Awards Confirmed for 2025 Provided by GNOSEF Sponsors ***

Albert F.W. Habeeb M.D. Scholarship and Award

In honor of Albert F.W. Habeeb M.D., a $1000 scholarship is presented to a Senior Division student for an outstanding project focused on Health Sciences – to be presented upon acceptance into a university. A $50 award is presented to an outstanding Junior Division project related to Health Sciences.

American Petroleum Institute (API) Delta Chapter (Local)

Two awards for Senior Division projects related to energy: (1) Chairman’s Award recipient and teacher each receives $100. (2) Distinguished Project award winner and teacher each will receive $75.

American Society of Civil Engineers  – N.O. Branch

$250 is to be divided with $150 to a submitting student and $100 to his/her sponsoring teacher to recognize an Outstanding Civil Engineering project.

American Welding Society – New Orleans Section

A $150 check & certificate in the Senior Division and a $100 check & certificate in the Junior Division for the best project in the Welding or Materials Joining field. Honorable Mention certificate(s) may be awarded for other deserving project(s) at the judges’ discretion.

Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) Southeast Chapter 

The Lavigne Gatzke Awards awarded to Senior Division Students and Teachers. The Richard M. (Dick) Dannenberg III Awards awarded to the Junior Division Students and Teachersc. 1st Place Students $200/Teachers $200 & 2nd Place Students $100/Teachers $100 (both Senior and Junior Divisions).All winners and teachers are invited to be guests and be recognized on Monday, June 23, 2025, at the AMPP SELA ASM Materials Camp Luncheon Meeting at the UNO Engineering Auditorium.

Broadcom Coding with Commitment™ (National)

Broadcom Coding with Commitment® recognizes students in grade 5 – 8 who combine STEM learning with coding or computational thinking to solve a community problem they care about in their neighborhood, region, or on planet Earth that aligns with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. The award winner will be presented with a Raspberry Pi Pico and $250.

Bruce J. Heim Foundation Award

$250 is to be divided with $200 to a submitting student and $50 to his/her sponsoring teacher to recognize an Outstanding Medical Research Project.

Dorothy Van Lue Habeeb Scholarship and Award

In memory of Dorothy Van Lue Habeeb, founding member of the Greater New Orleans Science Fair, Inc., a $1000 scholarship is presented to a Senior Division student for an outstanding project focused on the study of Chemistry or the use of Chemistry as a tool in scientific inquiry or engineering design – to be presented upon acceptance into a university. A $50 award is presented to an outstanding Junior Division project related to Chemistry.

Entergy Corporation ”Powering the Future” Scholarship Award

$1,000 scholarship to be awarded to a female, high school senior with an outstanding, promising project, upon presentation of their acceptance letter into a college or university.

The “Aspiring Researcher” Scholarship presented by the Emmy Noether Awards 

A $2,500 undergraduate scholarship awarded to a high school female who demonstrates passion and promise for scientific research. Students will receive their scholarship upon college or university acceptance. Funding provided by the Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation. For more information about the Emmy Noether Awards please visit our website: https://www.thebrownfoundation.org/emmy-noether-award.html.

In partnership with the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) Southeast Chapter: ASM Materials Education Foundation

ASM Foundation will recognize the two most outstanding 10th or 11th Grade High School Students (going into 11th or 12th grade) who exhibit excellence in materials engineering science. Both winners will be eligible (must meet ASM requirements) to attend the ASM Student Materials Camp this summer.  Note: Winners must meet Student Camp eligibility requirements found at:

http://www.asminternational.org/foundation/students/materials-camps

Greater New Orleans Science and Engineering Fair Middle School Award

Sponsored by Tom and Jean Brett, these materials and/or field trip grants are presented to participating middle schools which have a minimum of 10 projects competing in the Junior Division.  These awards are given to recognize successful participation in the GNOSEF and are to be used to promote interest in math and science courses.

GNOSEF Star Teacher Awards

Sponsored by an anonymous donor, BW2, this award is presented to teachers who strove to participate in the GNOSEF by going above and beyond making sure to follow ISEF’s rules and learn GNOSEF guidelines.

James de la Houssaye Mentor Awards

This award is sponsored by Mr. H. Britton Sanderford and recognizes a high school teacher or mentor for their educational and inspirational work with students pursuing STEM inquiry.  The $1,000 award is to be given to one teacher/mentor or shared by several teachers/mentors based on the quality and quantity of those teachers nominated by the students. Teachers/mentors who are considered for this award must have entries in the GNOSEF Senior Division with direct affiliation as Adult Sponsor, Qualified Scientist, or Direct Supervisor as defined by ISEF.  Selection for the award will be based on the level of mentorship as determined by student input on a survey.  Surveys will be distributed in mid-January and must be complete by the end of the GNOSEF project judging day on Wednesday. Winners will be announced at the GNOSEF Awards Ceremony.

MSB Consulting Engineers (Local)

First prize-$100; second prize-$75, for outstanding Senior Division projects in the field of Electrical Engineering.

Motivational Grant for New Middle Schools (Local)(New!) 

Sponsored by Tom and Jean Brett, this $2,500 grant encourages new middle schools’ participation in the Greater New Orleans Science and Engineering Fair.  Awarded to middle schools who have not participated in the GNOSEF for the last five annual fairs and have at least two projects participating in the 2025 GNOSEF. The award provides a grant of $500 to five new schools for materials and/or field trips used to promote interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields.

Neuroscience/Machine Learnings Scholarship Award

The H. Britton Sanderford Neuroscience/Machine Learning Project Award recognizes excellent work in the field of neuroscience, the study of the molecular, cellular, developmental, structural, functional, evolutionary, computational, and medical aspects of the nervous system, and the field of machine learnings, a subfield of computer science and artificial intelligence that deals with the construction and study of systems that can learn from data, rather than follow only explicitly programmed instructions. ONE (1) senior division (high school) winner will be presented with a $1,000 college scholarship upon presentation of their acceptance letter into a college or university.

Patrick F. Taylor Foundation Awards

All four grand award winners in the senior division receive a $1000 scholarship from the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation upon presentation of an acceptance letter into a college of their choice. Additionally, materials and/or field trip grants are presented to participating high schools which have a minimum of 10 projects competing in the senior division. $10,000 is divided among eligible schools.

Tulane University School of Science and Engineering – Tulane Science Scholars Program

The Tulane Science Scholars Program (TSSP) with financial support from the Bruce J. Heim Foundation will give both a certificate and a full scholarship worth $2095 for a summer course to a 10th or 11th grade student who has an exceptional project in an area of science or engineering.  The TSSP is a selective program for rising juniors or seniors who have exceptional talent in the sciences, engineering, and mathematics. The student will have to submit all necessary documents before the April 12th deadline including application, essay, letter of recommendation, and school transcript.  The winner will choose their preference from a list of several courses and receive three hours of college credit upon the completion of the course.  The winner may also live on campus during the course for a fee.  A second place winner is recognized and is an alternate should the first place winner not be able to attend.  More information about the TSSP can be found on the website:https://summer.tulane.edu/

Women for a Better Louisiana

The organization will present three $100 cash awards, one in both Junior and Senior Division for outstanding projects stressing environmental concerns, and one in the Senior Division for behavioral science.

  Special Awards Confirmed for 2025 Provided by Individuals and Organizations 

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics – Greater New Orleans Section (Local)

For the projects in categories that are most applicable to aerospace or mechanical engineering, AIAA shall select a winner to receive a one year AIAA student membership for both the Junior and Senior divisions. Cash award and certificate are also provided to the winner in each division. Certificates are also provided for other projects selected for recognition.

American Institute of Chemical Engineers – New Orleans Section (Local)

One $75 award to the best project in Engineering (with emphasis on chemical engineering) in the Junior or Senior Divisions. The winners and their parents will be invited to a future meeting of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers.

American Psychological Association (National)

Association will award two (2) certificates recognizing outstanding research by students in psychological science entered in the category of behavioral and social sciences or any category related to psychology (e.g., animal sciences, biochemistry, computer science, environmental science, mathematical science, medicine & health).

American Society of Naval Engineers (ASNE) – Central Gulf Coast Section (Local)

Society will contribute awards to Senior Division projects in engineering. First place will receive a $100 check and an ASNE medallion.

Association for Women Geoscientists Foundation (National)

Association will provide two (2) award certificates to female students whose projects, in the opinion of the judges, exemplifies high standards of innovation and scientific excellence in the geosciences.

Community Leader, Presented by Ochsner Health (Local)

Dr. Jawed Alam co-directed the Molecular Genetics Laboratory for over 10 years before focusing considerable attention on creating an initiative to increase access to high-quality science engagement activities to students in New Orleans. This led to the formalization of Ochsner Education Outreach, a team dedicated to fostering the local health science workforce and positively impacting K-12 education outcomes. The award is for an outstanding project, focused on health sciences, that demonstrates a dedication to community research and an intention to share knowledge and educate others. The student should showcase leadership skills and have a project that links back to better community outcomes. Monetary award of $100.

Department of Defense (DoD) STEM Leadership Prize (National) 

The DoD STEM Leadership Prize of $100 will be awarded to a 6th-8th grade student or team that demonstrates excellence in STEM, as well as the problem-solving skills and determination to overcome challenges throughout the research project. 

GENIUS (Global Environmental Issues) Olympiad (National)

Certificates of acceptance into the GENIUS Olympiad international competition will be provided to two (2) projects from grades 8-12 which provide understanding and solutions to environmental problems using scientific knowledge. Projects need to be registered by April 17, 2025 to participate as a finalist at the GENIUS Olympiad in Rochester, New York June 9-14, 2025.

Greater New Orleans STEM Initiative (Local)

GNO STEM, Inc. is honored to host the recipient of this award to attend one of our week long 2024 STEM Summer camps (camp choice of the recipient) on a full scholarship

2025 Lemelson Early Inventor Prize (National) 

In partnership with The Lemelson Foundation, the Society for Science & the Public is offering a $100 award to a 6th-8th grade inventor. 

NASA EARTH System Science Award (National)

The organization will provide two (2) certificates to an individual or team project that exhibits a clear and focused purpose that displays an Earth systems science perspective, uses the scientific process, demonstrates a well-designed plan and data collection methods, as well as demonstrates an understanding of interpretation and limitations of results and conclusions. Earth System science is the study of complex interactions of the various components that make up our Earth’s atmosphere, lithosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere and how Earth is constantly changing as each of these components interact.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) (National)

NOAA will award a letter of congratulations, an award certificate, and a NOAA medallion to two individual students (middle or high school), selected from among all the general award categories, whose research emphasizes NOAA’s Science, Service, and Stewardship mission to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems, and resources.

Office of Naval Research (ONR) (National)

Three (3) Junior Division winners will be presented with Certificates of achievement and medallions. Three (3) Senior Division winners will be presented with a certificate of achievement, a medallion, and award letter redeemable with the Technology Management Training Group Inc. for $50 gift cards redeemable online or in the store.  Winners must be US citizens to receive these awards.

Regeneron Biomedical Science Award (National)

This award will provide a $375 award and a certificate to an exceptional student scientist or team of scientists who not only demonstrates an impressive command of biomedical science and research but also embodies Regeneron’s core values and behaviors, known as The
Regeneron Way, which are reflected in the award selection criteria.

Ricoh USA, Inc. (National)

Four (4) individuals or team projects, selected from among all the general award categories, to be presented with a certificate recognizing their outstanding efforts in addressing issues of environmental responsibility and sustainable development in their science and engineering project.

Society for Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology (National) 

The Society will sponsor a 1st place award of a Certificate and a $75 gift card for Junior Division and a $125 gift card for the Senior Division to an individual student who demonstrate the best microbiology- or biotechnology-related project.

Structural Engineering Institute of the American Society of Civil Engineers-N.O. Branch (Local)

A 1st place award of $100 and a 2nd place award of $75 in both divisions for outstanding projects dealing with principles of Structural Engineering. Each Winner’s School Science Teacher or Sponsor will also receive $50 award.

Thermo Fisher Junior Innovator’s Challenge (JIC) (National)

Thermo Fisher’s Junior Innovator Challenge is a competition for 6th, 7th and 8th grade students who participate in an SSP-affiliated fair with their science, engineering or math project.  The top 10% of participating projects are nominated to compete in the national competition.

Tulane Brain Institute Award (Local)

The Tulane Brain Institute Award recognizes outstanding projects in the field of Neuroscience. A $100 award and certificate will be presented in both Junior and Senior Divisions.

U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) (National)

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is pleased to offer two (2) Science Champion Awards to recognize an exceptional individual student or team project exhibiting at your fair that has the potential to make an impact on addressing international development challenges. It is intended that this recognition be given to the most outstanding project with relevance to solving an important global development challenge.  

United States Air Force (National)

Four (4) awards will be given to projects that best incorporate the studies of math, sciences and engineering and when possible, recognize projects that offer Air Force applicability.

U.S. Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service (Local)

A plaque and VIP visit to our facility to the best project demonstrating improvement in utilization or safety of agricultural products in both the Senior and Junior Divisions.

U.S. Metric Association (National)

Association will award two certificates to the students whose projects involve quantitative measures and which best uses the SI metric system consistently and correctly for those measurements.

Water Environment Federation / Stockholm Junior Water Prize (National)

The U.S. SJWP is open to all high school students in 9th -12th grades who have conducted water related science projects and have reached the age of 15 by August 1st of the current competition year. Projects should be aimed at enhancing the quality of life through improvement of water quality, water resource management, or water and wastewater treatment.

 Yale Science & Engineering Association, Inc. (National)

YSEA will award two (2) certificates to outstanding 11th grade projects in one of the following areas: Computer Science, Engineering, Physics or Chemistry. Winner must complete the AWARD ACCEPTANCE FORM online to receive a formal award certificate and a pewter medallion.

 

2024 GNOSEF Winners

Junior Division Winners

Senior Division Winners

 

Junior Division Category Winners

Senior Division Category Winners

Junior Division Special Award and Grand Award Winners

Senior Division Special Award and Grand Award Winners

 

2022 Virtual GNOSEF Winners

Junior Division Category Winners

Senior Division Category Winners

Grand Award Winners

Junior Division Special Award Winners

Senior Division Special Award Winners

2021 Virtual GNOSEF Winners

Junior Division Category Winners

Senior Division Category Winners

Grand Award Winners

Junior Division Special and Grand Award Ceremony

(List of Winners)

Senior Division Special and Grand Award Ceremony

(List of Winners)