Beverly Hills Unified School District Hosts 9th Annual Secondary Science & Engineering Fair

Beverly Hills, CA (January 19, 2026) – Beverly Hills Unified School District proudly hosted its 9th Annual Secondary Science & Engineering Fair on January 15, 2026, at Beverly Vista Middle School. The event welcomed student participants from Grades 6 through 12 and was generously sponsored by the Beverly Hills Education Foundation.

This year’s fair featured more than 100 students presenting innovative projects across a wide range of STEM, science, robotics, and engineering disciplines. Students demonstrated exceptional curiosity, creativity, and problem-solving skills, reflecting the district’s commitment to rigorous, hands-on learning experiences that inspire future scientists, engineers, and innovators.

Following judging, awards were presented to outstanding projects in each grade band:

Grade 6

• 1st Place: Aaron Barbakow – Aerodynamics
• 2nd Place: Theodore Benyamin & Connor Anvar – Sushi Worms
• 3rd Place: Kerri McCallum & Ana Morales De Borba – Senses 

Grade 7

• 1st Place: Luka Pelangia – Titanium Oxidizing
• 2nd Place: Kaden Mokhtarian – Measuring Empathy 

Grade 8

• 1st Place: Shakya Liyanage – Effects of Music on Academic Performance
• 2nd Place: Nayun Kim & Celine Naim – Cat Litter Effectiveness
• 3rd Place: Audrey Rosenfeld & Suri Dardashti – Genetic Mutation MODY 

High School

• 1st Place: Piotr Brozda – Drone Propellers
• 2nd Place: Shahrzad Dardashti & Evelyn Kruger – Power Poles
• 3rd Place: Emily Song & Arianna Matcuk – Ocean Acidification 

“Events like the Secondary Science & Engineering Fair showcase the extraordinary talent and curiosity of our students,” said Dr. Seemann, Assistant Superintendent. “We are grateful to the Beverly Hills Education Foundation for their continued partnership and support, and to our teachers and families for encouraging students to explore, question, and innovate.”

BHUSD congratulates all participants and winners and looks forward to continuing to expand opportunities that foster excellence in STEM education across the district.

View Photos

Dr. Steven Suttle, Principal of Horace Mann Elementary School and science fair judge, speaks with a student presenter during the 9th Annual BHUSD Secondary Science & Engineering Fair.
Photo Credit: Beverly Hills Unified School District

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For Immediate Release 
January 19, 2026

Contact: Colby Gilardian
Public Information Officer
[email protected] 
(310) 871-8246 Mobile