HAYS, Kan. -- Two students attending the Kansas Academy of Mathematics and Science at Fort Hays State University placed first and second at the 2010 Kansas State Science and Engineering Fair (KSSEF) on March 26 and 27 in Wichita.

Placing in the KSSEF gives these two students the opportunity to participate in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in San Jose, Calif. from May 9 to 14. The Intel ISEF is the world's premier international pre-college science competition. More than 1,500 students from over 50 countries will present at this year's Intel ISEF.

Nick Van Swol, Hiawatha, placed first at KSSEF with his project "The Shape of Change: A Graphical and Statistical Analysis of Current and Future Climate Change in Central Kansas."

Van Swol also won awards from the American Meteorological Society, Friends University, Kansas Citizens for Science, Mu Alpha Theta and the United States Air Force for his project.

"I'm looking forward to the new challenge of ISEF," Van Swol said. "The level of competition is much higher and I value the opportunity to present my work to professionals in the field."

Tyler Clark, St. John, placed second with his project "Carbon Sequestration: Hydroxide Air Capture" and won awards from the National Society of Professional Engineers and the United States Army. Clark is also excited about attending ISEF.

"I look forward to collaborating with my peers at ISEF with whom I share similar interests," he said. "I also look forward to seeing emerging scientific technologies developed by my own generation."

"They will have contact with other students at their level," said Dr. John Heinrichs, chair of the Department of Geosciences. "The interchange, although part competitive, is very valuable."

Both projects had their origins in FHSU's Global Climate Change course taught by Heinrichs and Dr. Paul Adams, Anschutz Professor of Education.