District Five student earns award at International Science and Engineering Fair

IRMO, SC – A Lexington-Richland School District Five student has earned international recognition for his research examining possible health effects of genetically modified corn.

Dutch Fork High School student Brett Winters won 4th place in the Animal Science category of the 2014 Intel International Science and Engineering Fair in Los Angeles this month. More than 1,700 students from around the world competed for prizes and scholarships in the weeklong event.

Winters said his project, which has also won state and regional awards, was well received by the judges and a testament to the STEM magnet program at Dutch Fork High. “I am thrilled beyond words … By using my love of science and the education I will continue to receive, I am motivated to make a change in the world,” said Winters, who had an opportunity to meet many Nobel Prize winning scientists at the science and engineering fair.

Winters’ project tests typical chemicals used on corn crops. Feeding the corn to worms, Winters researched its effects on growth and development then attempted to find a link between its effects on worms and its effects on other organisms such as human beings.

“Essentially, as farms attempt to kill insects they are also killing bacteria. This bacteria is essential, not only for worms but also for the human digestive system. So the chemical that farmers use could be effecting humans in the same way they can be effecting insects, but we don’t know that because we can’t necessarily do tests on the bacteria of the human gut,” Winters said.

School officials say Winters is an exceptional young scientist and an example for other students. “We are so proud of Brett and all of his accomplishments, character, and scientific contributions. He is a brilliant example that can serve as inspiration to his peers and community,” said Dutch Fork High STEM Program Coordinator Carl Tilson.

Winters said the experiences during the international event will have a long-lasting impact. “I got to go to Universal Studios, LA Live, and the Santa Monica Pier, and I got to swim in the freezing cold Pacific Ocean,” he said. “I formed friendships that I am sure will be everlasting. I formed relationships …which have inspired me and provided me with the foundation for my scientific education and eventual career.”