Judge Recruitment

NCSAS: Connecting Professionals with Students

2025  District Competition Dates Vary.  State Event will be split this year.   Judges are needed at either event.

• District 1-4 (Triangle and east/southeast) in Durham, NC March 28;

• District 5-8 (Triad and West) in Morganton, NC April 25. ​

North Carolina Student Academy of Science goal is to bring STEM professionals and researchers together with students.  As a judge, you'll read their research paper in advance, watch them present their research, ask questions, and complete a judging rubric.  After presentations, judges get to eat dinner with the students.

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1. What is the NCSAS?

The North Carolina Student Academy of Science (NCSAS) is an organization that connects STEM professionals and researchers with students. It aims to foster science communication and mentorship through student research presentations. NCSAS is affiliated with the NC Academy of Science, National Associations of Academies of Science, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS).

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2. What are the 2025 competition dates and locations?

• State Event

  • Districts 1-4 (Triangle and East): March 28, 2025, in Durham, NC, NC School of Science and Math- Durham at 4:00 PM

  • Districts 5-8 (Triad and West): April 25, 2025, in Morganton, NC, NC School of Science and Math- Morganton at 4:00 PM

• District Competitions are held regionally and also can use judge support.

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3. What does a judge do?

As a judge, you will:

• Attend one synchronous or asynchronous judge training (for new judges)

• Read students' research papers (5-15 double-spaced pages) 5-7 days before the event and score on a rubric.

• Watch students (in-person) present their research in a classroom or conference room setting.

• Ask questions and provide feedback during their presentations.

• Score using a provided rubric.

• Have dinner with students to share your STEM career or educational journey.

• ​​Judges are welcome to stay for the ceremony 8-8:30 PM to congratulate the winners.

4. Who can judge?

We welcome individuals with:

• A bachelor’s degree in a STEM field.

• Familiarity with academic or industry research in STEM.

Examples include graduate students, advanced STEM educators, STEM professionals, or anyone with advanced STEM training.

5. What research categories are judged for Middle & High School?

• Behavioral Science

• Biological Science

• Biotechnology

• Chemistry

• Computer Science

• Earth/Space Science

• Environmental Science

• Mathematics

• Physical Science/Physics

• Technology/Engineering

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6. How does judging at NCSAS differ from a Science and Engineering Fair?

• Students do not create posters but write research papers and present their work.

• The focus is on science communication and clear methodology explanation.

• Judges and students interact informally during the event, including at dinner.

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Students are judged into 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place categories.  High school first place winners do not receive a cash prize, but instead are invited to attend, with support of NCSSM, the NC Science, Math, and Technology Center, and Burroughs Wellcome Fund, to attend the National American Junior Academy of Science meeting held jointly with the AAAS professional conference. 

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7. What support is provided for judges?

• NCSAS provides a letter recognizing your service.

• For the Durham campus, transportation support (carpooling or rideshare reimbursement) is available for professionals at our universities without transportation.

• Parking is free at both campuses.

8. How do I volunteer to be a judge?

Judges can register up to two weeks before each event

• Past judges can re-register starting in late January 2025

• New judges can complete the form button below or https://bit.ly/NCSASjudges

• ALL JUDGES (new and previous) will need to complete any required Protection of Minor Training required by NCSSM.  This typically takes one hour.

Questions about judging? Send to Chris Thomas thomas@ncssm.edu