Northfield's Holleran picks up 2 awards at State Science and Engineering Fair

Ella Holleran, of Northfield, recently won the Ecolab’s Water Vision Award with a $700 prize at the recent Minnesota State Science and Engineering Fair.

Holleran was recognized for her project that filtered microplastics in fresh waterways with easily obtainable supplies using iron ore tailings for filer housing.

More than 350 middle and high school students from 58 schools across Minnesota competed in the 87th annual Minnesota State Science and Engineering Fair (SSEF) on March 22 at the St. Paul RiverCentre. SSEF is proudly organized by the Minnesota Academy of Science (MAS). Participating students advanced from regional science fairs throughout Minnesota to compete in this prestigious state event.

"The State Science Fair showcases Minnesota students who are asking really interesting questions and using science and engineering practices to solve problems in their communities," said Lara Maupin, MAS Executive Director. "I was impressed and inspired by students' innovation and knowledge and clearly our judges were too. There's a reason they love giving their time to this event."