Lancaster Science Fair Winner—Now International Winner!
Hempfield High School Student Brings Home Top Honors at the World’s Largest International Science Competition
Hempfield High School junior Ethan Albright was awarded 3rd place in the Materials Science category at the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) last week, held in Columbus, Ohio. His winning project, “Reel Problems. Reel Solutions. Combating Microplastics in Aquatic Ecosystems with Biodegradable Fishing Lures,” had earned Albright the Senior Division Champion award at the North Museum Science & Engineering Fair (NMSEF) in March 2025.
NMSEF’s 2025 Grand Champion Ansh Dwivedi, a senior at Warwick High School, also competed at ISEF, which is the world’s largest international science competition for pre-college students.
The two Lancaster County students traveled to Columbus to compete among 1,657 other students from 63 countries. North Museum paid all registration fees, travel and accommodation expenses to provide the two winning student competitors with this opportunity.
Albright’s win marks the first finalist award for an NMSEF champion since 2017. He is the son of Jennifer and Justin Albright. Warwick High School chemistry teacher Doug Balmer, who accompanied the two students to ISEF, noted the support of local educational resources in the students’ preparations.
“Millersville University allowed Ansh to use its scanning electronic microscope (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) free of charge,” he said, “and Ethan was able to come to Warwick and use the infrared spectrometer (IR) and poster plotter.”
The 2026 Science & Engineering Fair will be held at Millersville University on Thursday, March 12, 2026, and is one of just six fairs in Pennsylvania associated with ISEF. Students from every public school district in Lancaster and Lebanon Counties, as well as all private, charter, online and home schools are invited to enter the competition. Next year’s competition will begin with registration in October 2025, and is free of charge to all participating students.
The NMSEF has been a staple of science education in Lancaster County for 72 years, inspiring thousands of young researchers to create, design and discover the joys of science and engineering through their projects.
North Museum’s Cosmic Bash is supporting STEM Education by “Powering the Future.”
North Museum’s Cosmic Bash is supporting STEM Education by “Powering the Future.”
Saturday, May 17 at Foundry48, Lititz
(LANCASTER)—The innovative ways we can source renewable energy on planet earth will be featured at North Museum’s biggest fundraiser of the year, Cosmic Bash, presented by Atomic, on Saturday, May 17. Tickets are now available at northmuseum.org/cosmic-bash/. Hosted by WGAL News8 anchor and award-winning reporter Susan Shapiro, the event benefits the museum’s many STEM education programs, and includes a silent auction reception, an irresistible live auction, scientific exhibits, a gourmet dining experience curated by Rettew’s Catering, and live music by Temple Avenue Jazz.
“Guests at this year’s Cosmic Bash will embark on an unforgettable adventure as we continue our mission of inspiring curiosity, discovery and a lifelong appreciation of nature, science and cultures,” said North Museum’s CEO Andrea Rush. “All sponsorships, donations, and monies raised will crucially benefit free and reduced-cost STEM education programs for children in Lancaster County and central Pennsylvania.”
Single tickets for the Cosmic Bash are $175, available by clicking here. The 10th annual signature fundraiser is presented by ATOMIC.
Sponsors include: Atomic / First National Bank / Rhoads Energy / EnerSys / Anne & David Lloyd / Pippa & Tom McPhillips / Susan & Richard Seavey / Jim Steltz / Lancaster County Workforce Development Board / American Crane & Equipment Corporation / Marysia & Salvatore Dina / Richard Clark, Ph.D. & Sepi Yalda, Ph.D. / Fulton Bank / Bernadette & Eugene Gardner / Hall Media Solutions / High Companies / Lancaster Country Day School / Dr. Clark McSparren / Northwest Bank / Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health / Richter Precision / RKL, LLP / Trout CPA / WEBBER/SMITH Associates / Cargas / ELA Group, Inc. / American Society for Military Engineers, Philadelphia Post / Garber Metrology / RETTEW / Dr. Victoria & Steve Zuckerman / Linda & Doug Weidman /Eudora Roseman / Turner Buick GMC / Hummer Turfgrass Systems, Inc. / Regupol America, LLC / Sauder's Eggs / Ron & Diane Umble / Radius Mobile Bike Shop
Media Sponsor: WGAL 8 / Uproot Creative Services / Sam Soliman Photography /
Now in its 73rd year, the North Museum impacts thousands of local students and their families annually through its education initiatives in the Museum, in the community, and at home. Programs include field trips, early childhood education programs, summer camps, STEM Sisters, the Science and Engineering Fair for middle and high school students, and many other educational programs designed to create access to free and reduced-cost STEM learning opportunities and strengthen the foundation of youth in the Lancaster community and beyond.
Response to the Federal cuts to the IMLS
News on the Institute of Museum and Library Services
In March, 2025 President Donald Trump signed an executive order that directed IMLS and six other federal agencies to “be eliminated to the maximum extent consistent with applicable law.” Thereafter, IMLS placed its entire 70-member staff on administrative leave.
Here is a list of news clips where North Museum was quoted or referenced in connection to that news.
April 13, 2025
3 views of how actions in DC are affecting Lancaster County residents
by SAM BRESSI I LNP Op-Ed
April 13, 2025
LNP's online editorial regarding the impact of IMSL
by SARAH NICELL | Staff Writer
April 11, 2025
Tens of thousands of dollars revoked in Lancaster County as Trump dismantles humanities agency
by SARAH NICELL | Staff Writer
Apr 5, 2025
LNP - Financial Flog, Local Library and Museum Officials Continplate Uncertain Future if Government Money Dries Up
by SARAH NICELL | Staff Writer
April 3, 2025
LNP - Distress for Lancaster County museums and libraries as Trump dismantles federal agency
by SARAH NICELL | Staff Writer
GSK Science in the Summer–Back for 2025!
GSK supported and in collaboration with The Franklin Institute's curriculum, the 2025 program will focus on Health Sciences.
The program, in its 39th year, has reached an estimated 23,400 nationwide!
Are you an organization looking to host a summer science camp? Look no further! North Museum of Science and Nature connects organizations looking to host a summer camp at their location with Science in the Summer curriculum, materials, and training.
Last year 902 area students, ranging from Pre-K through grade 12, completed GSK's (GlaxoSmithKline's) Science in the Summer™ program! That was a record number of attendees, increasing the impact of this already popular seasonal program.
This summer's theme will be "Health Sciences," and it will offer students the unique opportunity to step into the shoes of real scientists and engineers, engaging in exciting hands-on activities that bring the world of health science to life. Students will discover different career paths, from dietitian to orthopedic doctor, and develop their scientific thinking skills in a fun and interactive way.
Download the Health Sciences Overview
This program is made possible by a generous grant from GSK and with curriculum developed by The Franklin Institute.
The North Museum, GSK, and the Franklin Institute are longtime collaborators on the Science in the Summer program, which primarily targets students in grades 2 through 6, with an emphasis on reaching those from underserved communities and lower income households.
"Thanks to GSK and the Franklin Institute we were able to reach over 900 students last summer,” says Kate Wilson, Senior Manager, Visitor & Volunteer Services. “This free program offers a hands-on look at various STEM careers which many students did not even know existed! Now they might want to pursue those paths in the future. This is an opportunity some of the members of our community would not normally have access to due to financial and other constraints. We look forward to offering this program each year, and can't wait for 2025!"
As a leader in STEM education and advocacy, the North Museum is proud to present GSK's Science in the Summer™ program to the community for many years, and is deeply grateful to GSK for their ongoing commitment to enriching the community through the utilization of and access to quality STEM education programs, and the exceptional curriculum provided by the Franklin Institute.
If your organization has an interest in participating in GSK's 2025 Science in the Summer™ program, presented by the North Museum, please contact Kate Wilson, Senior Manager, Visitor & Volunteer Services at 717.358.4116, kwilson@northmuseum.org.
The Art Gallery is Open Through May 2025
“Further and Again: Sustainability in Visual Culture” and “The Millport Artists Project”
Millport Conservancy and North Museum ask, how do sustainability practices shape visual communications?
The Art Gallery on the third floor is open! Works of art from 11 Lancaster county and regional artists will be on display and available for purchase through the end of May.
Art and science come together in simultaneous exhibits “Further and Again: Sustainability in Visual Culture” and “The Millport Artists Project,” both on display in The Art Gallery at North Museum from March 13—May, 2025. All members of the public are invited to the exhibit opening March 13 at 6:30pm, followed by a conversation with the artists at 7pm. Enjoy fellowship and light fare as we discuss how sustainability practices shape visual communications.
- Take the steps or elevator to the third floor
- Sign the guest book
- Reach out to our Art Gallery and Visual Arts Program Coordinator, Sheri Hansen, to purchase
“Further and Again” asks artists, when we create with repurposed materials or ideas, how do those materials or ideas carry forward their prior purpose into these new works? Does literal and figurative reuse have the potential to reveal a rich depth of meaning and connection that would otherwise remain undiscovered? Seven artists explore their relationship to the lifecycle of materials, process, and meaning in their works. Participating artists include: Bonnie Mae Carrow, Paula Cahill, Kirstin Fisher, Sheri Hansen, Katherine Hess, Mimi Shapiro, and Dganit Zauberman.
“The Millport Artists Project” began with a visit by participating artists to the Millport Conservancy in Lititz, PA, in Autumn, 2024. They were asked to make artwork about what they discovered there. This experience produced a combination of works made in response to their time spent at Millport working indirectly through sketches, or en plein air. Shown alongside each artist’s existing studio works to provide context, some pieces are still in production. Come back often to uncover what the Conservancy has unleashed in these artists’ everyday practice—from the studio to the open air! Participating artists include: Doug Anderson, Stacy Caldwell, Sheri Hansen, Marisa Smith Alberts, and Jason Ward.
The Art Gallery is always open to the public when the museum is operating, Wednesday-Sunday at 400 College Ave. Part of North Museum’s A.L.E. (Adult Learning and Engagement) program, works of art from 11 Lancaster county and regional artists will be on display and available for purchase through the end of May.
Interested in participating in our gallery events, or purchasing art? Contact Sheri Hansen, Art Gallery and Visual Arts Program Coordinator at SHansen@NorthMuseum.org.
2025 Science Fair Winners Announced
NEARLY 200 STUDENTS COMPETED, 2 CHAMPIONS ON THEIR WAY TO ISEF
Photography by @anneoftheforest and Soliman Photo & Video
Nearly 200 students from 23 schools in Lancaster and Lebanon counties gathered at Millersville University on Thursday to show off their science projects at the North Museum Science & Engineering Fair. The students were vying for a chance to compete against 1,500 of their peers from around the world in May at the International Science and Engineering Fair in Columbus, Ohio. The fair’s junior division had 125 student competitors, while the senior division had 57. The regional competition, which North Museum hosts annually at MU, is one of six fairs associated with the international competition, and the top two projects in the senior division proceed to the world stage at no cost to the students.
For more, go to LancasterOnline.com.
(LANCASTER) March 13, 2025—North Museum congratulates all the students who competed at the 72nd annual North Museum Science and Engineering Fair, presented by Arconic Foundation! Our heart-felt thanks to the judges, coordinators, teachers, sponsors and all who make this fair a STEM success! Congratulations Ansh Dwivedi, Grand Champion, and Ethan Albright, Senior Division Champion, for winning top honors! They have both earned a place at the ISEF to compete with 1,700 of their peers from around the world! North Museum is honored to pay for registration, fees, travel, and accommodations for its two Champions.
For all senior and junior division category winners, visit our Science and Engineering Fair Winners Page.
2025 Grand Champion
Ansh Dwivedi, Warwick High School, 12th Grade
Category: Chemistry, Energy, & Materials Science
Senior Division Champion
Ethan Albright, Hempfield High School, 11th Grade
Category: Earth & Environmental Sciences
Senior Division Reserve Champion
Ella Strickler, Elizabethtown Area High School, 12th Grade
Category: Earth & Environmental Sciences
Junior Division Champion
Alden Hendricks, Lancaster Country Day School, 8th Grade
Category: Plant Science
Junior Division Reserve Champion
Jermaine Edwards, Lancaster Country Day School, 8th Grade
Category: Earth Science
Photography by: Soliman Photo & Video
Watch: Total Lunar Eclipse, North Museum Astronomer Answers Questions
March 13, 2025. Cole Penkunas, resident astronomer at North Museum of Nature and Science in Lancaster Pennsylvania, explains what you can expect from this week's total lunar eclipse on WGAL8. What did he have to say about the Blood Worm Moon in March, 2025?
North Museum's Planetarium has live shows every month! View the Calendar to see the next available Nigh Sky Tour.
Two Exhibits Open in The Art Gallery
The Art Gallery Hosts Two Simultaneous Exhibitions in March
Millport Conservancy and North Museum ask how sustainability practices shape visual communications.
(LANCASTER)—March 13, 2025
Art and science come together in simultaneous exhibits “Further and Again: Sustainability in Visual Culture” and “The Millport Artists Project,” both on display in The Art Gallery at North Museum from March 13—May, 2025. All members of the public are invited to the exhibit opening March 13 at 6:30pm, followed by a conversation with the artists at 7pm. Enjoy fellowship and light fare as we discuss how sustainability practices shape visual communications.
“Further and Again” asks artists, when we create with repurposed materials or ideas, how do those materials or ideas carry forward their prior purpose into these new works? Does literal and figurative reuse have the potential to reveal a rich depth of meaning and connection that would otherwise remain undiscovered? Seven artists explore their relationship to the lifecycle of materials, process, and meaning in their works.
Participating artists include: Bonnie Mae Carrow, Paula Cahill, Kirstin Fisher, Sheri Hansen, Katherine Hess, Mimi Shapiro, and Dganit Zauberman.
Art Gallery and Visual Arts Program Coordinator Sheri Hansen says,
“Artists are resourceful thinkers, constantly recontextualizing what they know with something new to evolve their ideas forward. Reuse and sustainability have been present in conversation in the arts for decades now, making artists natural leaders on experimenting around this topic. Imagining something discarded with fresh eyes is an endlessly fun and hopeful lens through which to view our everyday world. To transform something with only your action and intention is a very primal way to express oneself to others.”
“The Millport Artists Project” began with a visit by participating artists to the Millport Conservancy in Lititz, PA, in Autumn, 2024. They were asked to make artwork about what they discovered there. This experience produced a combination of works made in response to their time spent at Millport working indirectly through sketches, or en plein air. Shown alongside each artist’s existing studio works to provide context, some pieces are still in production. Come back often to uncover what the Conservancy has unleashed in these artists’ everyday practice—from the studio to the open air!
Participating artists include: Doug Anderson, Stacy Caldwell, Sheri Hansen, Marisa Smith Alberts, and Jason Ward.
Hansen continues,
“This [Millport] show allows the viewer to discover the differences in ways of thinking from one artist to the next. All started with the same intention to make work inspired by this beautiful and wild place, but the variety of the works collected here foreground the creativity and individuality of each maker’s studio conversation.”
The Art Gallery is always open to the public when the museum is operating, Wednesday-Sunday at 400 College Ave. Part of North Museum’s A.L.E. (Adult Learning and Engagement) program, works of art from 11 Lancaster county and regional artists will be on display and available for purchase through the end of May, 2025.
Fall Fest Benefits Millport Conservancy and the Run
North Museum’s Fall Fest at Millport Conservancy
Benefits Lititz Run and Trail restoration
Family event Saturday, November 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
(LITITZ, WARWICK TOWNSHIP)—Families are invited to explore Millport Conservancy’s natural wonders on Saturday, November 9, as the North Museum of Nature and Science and Millport Conservancy present Fall Fest. This fifth annual collaboration between two local non-profits is a fundraising event to support Millport Conservancy’s efforts to restore the Lititz Run stream through soil erosion control, wetlands restoration, and stream management and the North Museum’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education programming. The Conservancy’s 75-acre refuge for native wildlife and plant species includes Lititz Run, where preservation efforts have resulted in healthy, wild reproduction of both rainbow and brown trout, which can be found year-round in its waters.
Located at 737 E. Millport Road, the family-friendly event is filled with activities for children of all ages:
-Archeological Treasure Dig Pit
-Atomic Selfie Station
-Live Reptile Petting Zoo
-Nature Walks and Crafts
-Face and Pumpkin Painting
-Environmental Science and Sustainability Activities for STEM Sisters
-Bird Club Activities
-Veterans’ Recognition
-Food Truck by Gourmet Julie's Way
-Tasting Room for 21+ by Compass Mill Tap House, Meduseld Meadery, Stoll and Wolfe
-Distillery, Vine Bar, and more!
“Millport Conservancy relies on the generosity of donors to help us protect and preserve the land, the water resources and our heritage.” said Lynn Wohlsen Myers, Executive Director of Millport Conservancy and the daughter of the Conservancy’s founding couple. “Through the success of fundraising efforts like Fall Fest, the Conservancy will continue to be a treasured resource of educational and recreational experiences for students and the public.”
“Having partnered together successfully for the last five years, the North Museum is thrilled to hold Fall Fest at Millport once again in our joint effort to raise funds for the restoration of Lititz Run Creek." said Andrea Rush, North Museum CEO. "Our enduring alliance fortifies the missions of both organizations and accelerates our collective impact on the community."
In honor of Veteran’s Day, all Veterans, Active Service Members and First Responders will be admitted free of charge.
Fall Fest 2024 sponsors include Listrak, Marysia & Salvatore Dina, The Sheaffer Family, Univest, American Crane, Richard Clark, Ph.D. & Sepi Yalda, Ph.D., First National Bank, Gibbel Kraybill & Hess, LLP, Land Studies, Landis Homes, Sauder’s Eggs, Tiger’s Eye, Dr. DiComo & Family and Walters Services, Inc.
Registration Open for North Museum Science & Engineering Fair
Registration Opens for North Museum’s Science & Engineering Fair
Lebanon County school teachers and students invited to join 73-year-old competition!
(LANCASTER)—Registration for participation in the North Museum’s Science and Engineering Fair (NMSEF) is now open for Lebanon County teachers and adult sponsors. For the first time in its 73 years, the Science and Engineering Fair, presented by the Arconic Foundation, is open to Lebanon County school students in addition to the students of Lancaster County’s 20 schools, resulting in a forecasted record-setting number of competitors. All student registrations are free of charge and open to students in grades 6 through 12 from public, private, charter, online, parochial, and home schools. The competition will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025 at Millersville University.
Teachers and students in grades 6 through 12 are encouraged to note these submission deadlines: Now through October 21, 2024, teachers may confirm their intent to participate. Students may submit their registration form from October 1 through October 21, 2024. Teachers/adult sponsors are advised to directly assist students as they complete the registration form. North Museum will also offer support to all educators wishing to assist students in finding a project, developing a research plan, and supporting student research.
The inclusion of Lebanon County students marks the NMSEF’s expansion to a regional fair, joining Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Harrisburg’s Capital Area events as Pennsylvania’s four regional science and engineering fairs. As one of six fairs in Pennsylvania affiliated with the world’s largest pre-college competition, the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), the NMSEF’s top two students’ projects from the senior division earn a place at the ISEF to compete with 1500 of their peers from around the world. The North Museum pays for registration, fees, travel and accommodations for its two Champions. Lebanon County has no similar competitive science and engineering event.
“The North Museum is thrilled by the generosity of the Arconic Foundation, and their ongoing commitment to supporting access to STEM education opportunities for students in Lancaster and Lebanon Counties,” says Scott Downs, Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships. “We continue to be grateful for the financial support we receive from the many sponsors of the NMSEF, as well as the outstanding contributions from our judges, volunteers, and participating teachers and students.”
Presenting sponsor Arconic Foundation’s $50,000 grant will have a crucial impact on central PA’s student scientists. Businesses interested in sponsorships may contact Scott Downs, Director of Development and Strategic Partnerships. Community volunteers are also needed to assist at the event and may contact sciencefair@northmuseum.org.
North Museum’s resident astronomer, Cole Penkunas, commented,
“As a former Warwick High School student, the NMSEF was the pinnacle of my STEM education each year. The competition was formidable and prepared me for the demands of thesis fulfillment at The Pennsylvania State University, where I focused my research on very massive stars, particularly luminous blue variables, Wolf-Rayet stars, and their possible link. I’m excited to see what the young scientists in Lancaster and Lebanon Counties will bring to the competition this year!”