Monterey High School student scientists earned top honors at the 2026 Monterey County Office of Education (MCOE) Science & Engineering Fair, held Saturday, March 7. Competing against students from across the county, the talented group of Doré scholars showcased impressive research and innovation across multiple scientific fields.
In a standout achievement, Monterey High students swept the Biomedical & Health Sciences category, earning first, second, and third place honors.
Several projects also qualified for the California Science & Engineering Fair, recognizing the exceptional quality of research conducted by Monterey High students.
“We are incredibly proud of the curiosity, dedication, and scientific thinking demonstrated by our students,” said Jason Nicholson, Teacher, Biotechnology and DP Chemistry. “Their work reflects the powerful teaching and learning happening in our classrooms.”
Student Award Winners
Eunyul (Anne) Kim (10)
Enzymatic acceleration of PHA-based microplastic degradation by protease, cellulase, and amylase with Lactobacillus plantarum
• 1st Place – Earth & Environmental Sciences
• Qualifies for California Science & Engineering Fair
• Association for Women Geoscientists Award
• Ricoh USA Inc. Award
• Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers Award
Sarah Bae (11), Anthony Cabrera Hernandez (11), Katherine Nodora (11)
Dermatology 101: Bacteria elimination by different forms of facial cleansers
• 1st Place – Biomedical & Health Sciences
• Qualifies for California Science & Engineering Fair
• Society for In Vitro Biology Award
Giovanni Garcia Zabeche (11), Melissa Sariles (10)
Changes in gastric acid pH after simulated exposure to common OTC NSAIDs
• 1st Place – Microbiology & Biochemistry
• Qualifies for California Science & Engineering Fair
Sebastian Berube (11), Trast Howe (11), Isaias Jeronimo-Mora (11)
Anaerobic digestion system
• 2nd Place – Environmental & Mechanical Engineering
• US Metric Association Award
Natalie Gera (11)
Applying color theory to outfit planning
• 2nd Place – Technology Enhances the Arts
Shabnam Qayumi (11)
Cooling efficiency of natural hydrogels: Comparing gelatin, aloe vera, agar, & cornstarch
• 2nd Place – Biomedical & Health Sciences
Jenna Sellami (9)
Effect of wiping passes on simulated bacterial contamination of stethoscopes
• 3rd Place – Biomedical & Health Sciences
Malaz Ahmed (11), Joseph Chung (12), JoAnna Lee (11)
Effects of metabolic rate on CO₂ production in yeast respiration
• Honorable Mention
These accomplishments highlight the strong culture of inquiry, experimentation, and real-world problem solving at Monterey High School.
Congratulations to all of our incredible student scientists. Go Dores!