Eighth Grader Bella Nguyen ’30 to Present Research at National and International Levels after Winning Grand Prize at the 75th Annual Tidewater Science and Engineering Fair

Hampton Roads Academy is excited to congratulate eighth grader Bella Nguyen ’30, who was awarded the Grand Prize at the 75th Annual Tidewater Science and Engineering Fair, hosted by the Tidewater Science Congress at Old Dominion University on March 21. Following her win at the regional science fair, Nguyen has been nominated to participate in the nationwide 2026 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC) in the fall and has been given the opportunity to present alongside high school researchers at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix, Arizona, this May.

This incredible string of honors recognizes Nguyen’s achievements in independent scientific research. Fulfilling a longtime goal of designing a project that highlights the importance of science in society, the HRA Middle Schooler was invited in the fall to present her work on techniques to detect teen suicide risk earlier than current methods allow, thereby preventing the sort of tragedies that have claimed far too many young lives.

At the Tidewater Science and Engineering Fair this spring, Nguyen shared her findings with a panel of judges from academia and industry alongside middle and high school students from across Hampton Roads. Projects were evaluated based on the quality of research and/or engineering design, the clarity of technical writing on display, and the effectiveness of the students’ communication with a general audience.

“Given that this was my first time participating in the fair, I was a bit nervous when presenting to the judges,” Nguyen said. The thoroughness and significance of her research, however, were undeniable. Out of more than 30 middle school contestants, Nguyen was one of only two selected to receive the top award.

“Engaging in research, collecting and organizing data, and presenting at a venue such as the regional science fair are invaluable skills that demonstrate Bella’s commitment to the study she undertook,” said Interim Director of Middle School Karen Gillespie. “We are so proud of her earning the Grand Prize!”

Nguyen’s standout performance at the regional level has opened opportunities for her to share her work on a larger stage. Later this spring, she will meet fellow student scientists from throughout the country and around the world as she presents her research at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. Though she will not be able to compete at the event, where prizes are restricted to students in Grades 9 through 12, Nguyen’s participation underscores the fact that her research is deserving of international attention.

Likewise, her nomination for the Thermo Fisher JIC signals that her project is among the top 10% of middle school entries in regional science fairs across the country. Organized by the Society for Science, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding scientific literacy, education, and research since 1921, the JIC is the premier STEM competition for sixth through eighth graders in the United States. Now that she has been invited to apply, Nguyen has the chance to be named one of the Top 300 Junior Innovators or 30 finalists in September and win an all-expenses paid trip to Washington, D.C., to compete for further honors.

Hoping to pursue a scientific and medical career, Nguyen remarked that she believes her participation in the regional and international science fairs and the nationwide Junior Innovators Challenge will solidify her passion and professional path.

Above all, though, she said, “The possibility of my scientific project being able to make an impact really excites me!”