ABOUT
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 as 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 International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). The CTSEF is one of 14 regional fairs in the state of Texas. Finalists sent to the ISEF have won numerous awards over the past 67 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. Mr. Smith passed the duties of director to A. Scott Lea, MD, president of Waco Infectious Disease Associates and McLennan County Public Health Director in 1994. Stephen C. Scott, owner of Sydaptic, Inc., followed Dr. Lea as director of the fair in 1998.
Following the resignation of Mr. Scott in 2013, Jeanne D. Waggener, R. Ph., Market Health and Wellness Director, WalMart Pharmacy, was elected as director of the fair. Under the leadership of Scott and Waggener, the long tradition of inspiring students to become involved in science and to develop interests that carry through into adulthood continued.
In 2016, Jeanne Waggener retired as director and board members Linda Morris and David Lintz were appointed as acting co-directors.
Purpose
The Central Texas Science and Engineering Fair (CTSEF), in association with Society for Science & the Public, 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 a 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.
CTSEF is governed by a board of volunteer trustees who work in close cooperation with administrative representatives of Baylor University, Mayborn Museum, and McLennan Community College. Businesses, foundations, organizations, societies, and individuals help support the fair through community donations.
Board of Trustees
CTSEF is governed by a board of unpaid trustees who work in close cooperation with administrative representatives of Mayborn Museum, Baylor University, and McLennan Community College. businesses, foundations, organizations, societies, and individuals help support the fair through community donations.
Central Texas Science and Engineering Fair Board of Trustees
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Ms. Linda Morris, Co-Director
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Mr. David Lintz, Co-Director
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Ms. Rachel Hart, Controller
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Dr. Bradley Christian
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Mr. Clint Detlefsen
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Mr. Mike Green
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Ms. Carol Lane
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Ms. Kathy McMillan
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Dr. Jonathan Miles
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Dr. Kenneth Van Treuren
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Mr. Charles Walter
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Calvin B. Smith, Emeritus Member
FROM OUR FAIR DIRECTORS
Welcome to the 2024-2025 Central Texas Science and Engineering Fair (CTSEF)! This is our 69th year of operation. We are excited that you want to learn more about the Fair and look forward to your participation this year.
The CTSEF is affiliated with the Texas Science and Engineering Fair as well as the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. Winners at the CTSEF will be eligible to proceed to the TXSEF.
Winning students at local fairs in our 13-county area are eligible to advance to the regional fair in Waco in February.
Linda Morris and David Lintz
Co-Directors, CTSEF
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
SPONSORS
Mayborn Museum Complex
Baylor University
McLennan Community College
Waco Scottish Rite Charitable Foundation
Margaret and Spencer N. Brown Foundation
Waco Cardiology Associates
Radiation Technology, Inc.
Society for Science
STEM Wizard
CONTRIBUTORS
The CTSEF Board of Trustees
Red Men Museum and Library
Region XII Education Service Center
Baylor University School of Education
CONTACT
Inquiries
For any questions or concerns, please call: (254) 710-1110 or fill out the following form
Office Contact
Science Fair Office
One Bear Place #97154
Waco, Texas 76798-7154
Baylor University
Mayborn Museum
Email: Science_Fair@baylor.edu
Telephone: (254) 710-1110