THE FIRST EVER SOCIAL SCIENCE FAIR TO DISCOVER THE FUTURE THROUGH INSECTS
First Place
Congratulations, Tithi!
Tithi M. | Plainsboro, New Jersey
What if in 2151 Wildlife Restoration Robots are cooled by termite mound technology? No, it’s not science fiction. Just science. Tithi’s question led to a series of astonishing experiments that opened the door to what’s possible in future ventilation technology.
O. Orkin Insect Zoo
National Museum of Natural History
Tithi will be invited to join Orkin in Washington, D.C. during the opening of a new visitor experience with the O. Orkin Insect Zoo at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, which Orkin is generously supporting.
Second Place
Congratulations, Neela!
Neela C. | Apex, North Carolina
Paper straws. Great for the environment, but terrible to use. Nobody likes a soggy straw. So Neela got inspired by the common wasp’s nest as a way to improve the paper straw design so that it doesn’t fall apart in the middle of your sip.
Third Place
Congratulations, Miles!
Miles W. | New York, New York
Aside from the cool name, Darkling beetles also have a cool trick up their carapace. They can gather environmental moisture on their backs to drink for later. So Miles asks the question: “Can this solve our drinking water problem?”
Honorable Mentions - Explore More Projects
Honorable Mentions - Explore More Projects
Our Expert Panel of Judges
A special thank you to our amazing panel of judges who reviewed all of the submissions.
Dr. Shannon Sked
Orkin Entomologist and National Technical Director
Dr. Zachary DeVries
University of Kentucky, Associate Professor of Entomology and Bill Gatton Foundation Distinguished Professor
Dr. Daniel Suiter
University of Georgia, Orkin Distinguished Professorship in Urban Entomology
Dr. Clay Scherer
SVP of Operational Support at Rollins
Cara Martinez
Fernbank Museum, School Programs Manager
Orkin Pro
Entomology Over Generations
For Orkin entomologists Patricia Hottel and her son Ben Hottel, curiosity runs in the family. Throughout her career, Patricia has shared her passion for insects and science with young people, including Ben. That early exposure helped spark an interest that eventually became a career of his own. Now colleagues at Orkin, their story shows where an early fascination with science can lead.
