Cleveland High School sophomores Alex Harding and Annelise Cummings are back in town after competing at the international level at the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, ISEF, in Los Angeles May 8-13. 
    “Normally, I'd work on a website at home, build a computer, create a program for physics class, but doing a project like this on an international level allows me to channel this passion and apply it in real world situations in real world ways,” said Harding on his computer program showcased on an international level down in Los Angeles.

    Though they both finished as a technical sixth, Harding and Cummings were the only kids to qualify from the Portland Public School district among 1,500 kids from all over the world.
    “Because of science, I was able to meet amazing people from all around the world. I still have people I need to email from Brazil, Jordan, Wisconsin and those are only the ones I can remember! Science opened my eyes for the first time in sixth grade and each time I come up with a new project, another door opens,” said Cummings when asked about her experience down at Intel ISEF.
    It’s the second year that both Cummings and Harding have competed at Intel ISEF, only this year they weren’t on a team together. Having known each other since sixth grade at Winterhaven, they’re used to working together and now they’re competing individually. Last year, they both worked on a Photosensitive Epilepsy Analysis Tool, PEAT, that landed them a trip to ISEF and a $5,500 renewable scholarship from Oregon State. 

    Harding decided to stay with his PEAT project and built a new and improved Video Flicker Investigation Tool (VIFIT) program. Unlike the program PEAT, VIFIT is compatible with all operating systems and not just Windows. Another aspect that separated his program from PEAT was that it was built as an open source program which allowed him to modify and see how the coding worked.

    Cummings on the other hand worked on a project titled “It’s Not All about Me.” The project was an investigation on psychological processes and narcissism in today’s popular songs. She analyzed 1,500 song titles and 150 song lyrics from 1999-2006.  

    “Music videos and lyrics are a growing part of both children’s and adolescents’ social life and identity,” said Cummings. Their novel ideas earned Harding and Cummings a top two finish at the Portland Public School regionals and an automatic bid and a trip down to L.A.

    Though their season came to an end with a sixth place finish at Intel ISEF, they are both busy working and preparing for next year.

     “Just that the season for this year’s science fair has now come to a close, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get started on next year. Science projects at the international level really give you confidence. Love the sciences, man,” said Harding.