History

The Texas Academy of Science made the first attempt to organize and promote a regional science fair in central Texas in the mid-1950s with little success. It was late in 1956 that Baylor University became involved when the Baylor Chapter of The Society of the Sigma Xi provided the leadership to secure a regional science fair charter. Dr. Bryce C. Brown, who was a professor in the Biology Department and curator of the Strecker Museum, was named as director of the fair. Although the study of the sciences was not emphasized in 1956, as it was to be after the USSR launched the first artificial Earth satellite, Sputnik, on October 4, 1956, Dr. Brown and his colleagues generated enough interest to get the fair started.

Baylor University and Sigma Xi sponsored the first fair on March 29, 1957. There were 40 entries from area schools in Bosque, McLennan, Navarro, Freestone, Limestone, Falls, Bell, Coryell, Somervell and Lampasas counties. The winner in the exact science division was John Jeanes and the winners in the natural science division were Mary Ellen Rogers and Barbara Bruner. All three of the winning students were from Waco High School.

The fair was known as the District X Texas Science Fair, and was affiliated with the National Science Fair. In 1964, the name was changed to the Central Texas Regional Science Fair. After 30 years of growth and expansion, the name was changed again, in 1994, to the Central Texas Science and Engineering Fair, Inc. (CTSEF).

The fair is now affiliated with the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). The CTSEF is one of 20 regional fairs in the state of Texas. Finalists sent to the ISEF have won numerous awards over the past 50 years. Many of the students who have participated in earlier fairs have gone on to earn doctoral degrees in scientific fields. Some have returned to serve as sponsors, judges and board members.

Calvin B. Smith succeeded Dr. Brown as director of the Strecker Museum and director of the fair in 1983. A. Scott Lea, MD, president of Waco Infectious Disease Associates, and McLennan County Public Health Director, succeeded Mr. Smith as director of the fair in 1994. Stephen C. Scott, owner of Sydaptic, Inc., succeeded Dr. Lea as director of the fair in 1998. Under their leadership, the long tradition of inspiring students to become involved in science and to develop interests that carry through into adulthood has been continued.

Purpose

The Central Texas Science and Engineering Fair (CTSEF), in association with Science Service, is a non-profit organization established under IRS guidelines. Its purpose is to promote interest and expertise in science and engineering among school students in an 13-county region. The CTSEF encourages and inspires students to explore and investigate their world through hands-on research. After conducting research, students present their findings in three-dimensional exhibits that are evaluated by scientists and educators. Students acquire useful scientific knowledge as well as develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will help them now and in the future. At the competitions, students have the opportunity to meet students from other schools, exchange ideas, and demonstrate the results of their research. Winners qualify to advance to state and international competitions. The CTSEF is held each spring on the Baylor University Campus in Waco, TX.

CTSEF is governed by a board of unpaid trustees who work in close cooperation with administrative representatives of Baylor University. Businesses, oundations, organizations, societies, and individuals help support the fair through community donations.

Board ofTrustees

Officers
Mrs. Jeanne Waggener, President
Mr. Trace BowenVice-President
Dr. Janelle Walter, Secretary
Mr. Tom Lindsey, Controller
Ms. Elaine Alexander
Mr. Trace Bowen
Mr. Marc Curliss
Mr. Mike Green
Dr. David Grogan
Dr. Diane Hartman
Dr. Benjamin Kelley
Mr. David Lintz
Dr. Rene Massengale
Mrs. Linda Morris
Dr. Kenneth Van Treuren
Mr. Joseph Wade
Mr. Richard Wheet

Emeritus Members
Mr. Fred Johns
Dr. James McAtee, Jr.
Mr. Calvin B. Smith

Fair Director:
Mr. Stephen Scott
Central Texas Science and Engineering Fair, Inc.
One Bear Place #97203 - Waco, Texas 76798-7203
Baylor University

Physical Address
1624 South 9th
Waco, TX
Telephone: (254) 753-3093 - 1-800-583-3169
Fax: (254) 753-3209
Email: susan_wilson@baylor.edu
Website: http://www.ctsef.org

Office
Mrs. Susan Wilson, Office Coordinator