Local Students Participate in White House Science Fair

student Sydney Dayyani, 11, and Jack Dudley, 11, of in Ashburn, were given the opportunity to participate the second annual White House Science Fair on Tuesday, Feb. 7, which was hosted by President Barack Obama.

The event celebrated the student winners of a broad range of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) competitions from across the country.

According to a press release, Dayyani and Dudley were part of a team that designed a military helmet to protect soldiers from traumatic brain injuries on the battlefield due to improvised explosive devices.

Both students have previously competed in national science competitions and this past year won first place in the 2011 Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision competition with their HEADS UP! Helmet.

The helmet is a redesign of the standard-issue military helmet and is equipped with bullet and shrapnel-stopping gels and highly sensitive temperature and air pressure sensors to notify medical personnel of the presence and level of brain injury.

"We are so proud of Sydney and Jack for their commitment to the field of science and we are thrilled for them that the White House has selected them for its Science Fair,” said Leesburg Mayor Kristen Umstattd. Her quote was included in a White House blog, which featured mayors from around the country who wrote in to congratulate the students who represented their cities and towns.

“We know these students will continue to excel," Umstattd said. "not just this year, but throughout their future endeavors."

During the event, President Obama viewed exhibits of student work, ranging from breakthrough research to new inventions, followed by remarks to an audience of students, science educators and business leaders on the importance of STEM education to the country’s economic future.

The president also announced key steps that the Administration and its partners are taking to help more students excel in math and science, and earn degrees in these subjects.