Wehr to represent Wash. at Intern'l Science Olympiad

Advanced STEM Researcher Thorsen Wehr was recently selected by the International Sustainable World Energy, Engineering, and Environment Project Olympiad (I-SWEEEP) to present his science research, "Focusing Sound Waves Using a Nonlinear Acoustic Lens." Top high school researchers from all over the world will display their innovative ideas at George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas. More than 1,000 participants will share their ideas, experience and knowledge to promote maintaining global sustainability in the near future.

I-SWEEEP promotes engineering inventions and energy efficiency/management discoveries which will nurture environmentally-friendly technology concepts in secondary education and provides secondary-school students the opportunity to position themselves to be the pre-eminent scientists and engineers of the future. It will be these individuals who have a greater understanding of global issues and the importance of technology in achieving global sustainability who will be at the forefront of environmental research and development.

During the week of April 30 through May 5, 2014, Thorsen Wehr and his father, mentor and science teacher Jeff Wehr have been invited to join the rest of the world in vying for cash prizes and scholarships totaling nearly half a million dollars. In 2012, Thorsen was selected for ISWEEEP and earned a third place in engineering. He hopes to make the international stage once again. "It feels great to go back to ISWEEEP again and represent the Odessa community at the international level. People are always amazed how research from such a small rural school can be so good and I'm happy to show that anyone who works hard can produce great science," says Thorsen.

The Wehrs, father and son, say they are very grateful to the Odessa School District and the local community for their support.

To follow up-to-date happenings in the OHS science lab, visit the ASR website: http://www.wehrdscience.com/ASR or follow ASR Labs on Twitter: @ohsASR.