We wanted to do a follow-up on a previous post we did in June, Stockholm Junior Water Prize: A Different Class of Science Competition. The Stockholm Junior Water Prize taps into the unlimited potential of today’s high school students, as they seek to address current and future water challenges. We were impressed by the detailed structure and purpose of this competition and tip our hats to all of the hard working students who entered this prestigious water-related science competition. This year the U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize was hosted by the Illinois Water Environment Association, held in Chicago, Illinois.

Alison Bick representing Millburn High School

Congratulations to Alison Bick from Short Hills, N.J. for being the recipient of the U.S. 2011 Stockholm Junior Water Prize. Alison developed a low-cost portable and publicly accessible method for testing water potability. Alison attends Millburn High School and worked for over four years researching and developing several devices to accurately test water for inorganic materials and harmful bacteria.

The four U.S. finalists include Jenifer Brown from Hillsborough, North Carolina, Collin McAliley of Melbourne Beach, Florida, Leila Musavi from Orono, Maine, and Nishith Reddy from Naperville, Illinois. The 2012 U.S. Stockholm Junior Water Prize National Competition will be held in Boston, Massachusetts.  The New England Water Environment Association will host three days of camaraderie, competition and celebration where like-minded students will exchange ideas and discuss their research projects.