Blackburn Celebrates the 36th Annual Science Day, Powered By Student Leadership

Press Releases

Blackburn students and faculty standing outside of Mahan

By Office of Marketing & Public Relations
On May 15, 2025

Winning Schools, Educators, and Students Announced

Blackburn College welcomed 14 regional schools and 26 educators, bringing around 250 high school students for its 36th annual Science Day this spring. The event, held on the College’s campus in Carlinville, offered a day of hands-on science activities, friendly competition, and immersive academic exploration, planned and led almost entirely by Blackburn students.

Through Blackburn’s distinctive Work Program, more than 50 student workers were essential in organizing, preparing, and carrying out the event. From coordinating with schools and setting up labs to leading demonstrations and managing logistics, Blackburn students were at the heart of the experience. Seniors Alexia Mosby ’25 and Jessica Muckensturm ’25 coordinated the effort.

“I love getting the opportunity to coordinate Science Day because we get to meet regional high school teachers and students throughout the process,” said Mosby. “Many of the Blackburn students participating in Science Day, including myself, are from local areas and get the opportunity to reconnect with their former high school science teachers. When speaking with my high school teachers at Science Day, they’re surprised to see how much I’ve grown and all I’ve accomplished since being a shy high school student in their classroom.”

High School students participating in a Science Day event at Blackburn College.

Muckensturm added, “It is amazing to work with the community because it’s important to give back to those who support us. I also think it’s important to show the community what we do here and invite them to enjoy the same things we get to enjoy every day.”

Nine Blackburn professors worked alongside students to facilitate demonstrations in biology, chemistry, computer science, psychology, and physics. Visiting students competed in scholarship exams and interactive science challenges designed to spark curiosity and promote hands-on discovery.

Students hold a snake while visiting the Blackburn Vivarium

High school students participate in a chemistry lab during Science Day

Science Day continues to be a meaningful connection point between Blackburn and the surrounding community, highlighting the impact of student-led work and the value of experiential learning. For local students and educators, it’s a memorable visit. For Blackburn students, it’s a powerful opportunity to lead, grow, and give back.

Science Day Results

Below is a list of the 2025 Science Day winners.

SCHOOLS

Biology Exam (There was a tie for 3rd place)

1st – Riverton led by Chris Brown and Megan McCormick
2nd – Jacksonville led by Heather English and Adam Reed
3rd – Calhoun led by Ann Gilman and Heather Reed
3rd – Pana led by Matthew Sanders, Greg Cothern, and Autumn Amling

Chemistry Exam

1st – Pleasant Plains led by Brian Conklin
2nd – Jacksonville led by Heather English and Adam Reed
3rd – Calhoun led by Ann Gilman and Heather Reed

Physics Exam

1st – Pleasant Plains led by Brian Conklin
2nd – Rochester led by Ms. Seitz, Mrs. Godar, and Mrs. Green
3rd – Athens led by Pam Warren and Rachel Skelton

Psychology Exam

1st – Mascoutah led by Kira Budde and Beth Scott
2nd – Pleasant Plains led by Brian Conklin
3rd – Carlinville led by Jason Crowell and Robin Phelps

STUDENTS

Biology Exam (There was a tie for 2nd place)

1st place – Kaine Climaco from Mascoutah
2nd place – Kate Zipprich from Calhoun
2nd place – Evan Gillespie from Jacksonville

Chemistry Exam (There was a tie for 1st place)

1st – Paul Anderson from Pleasant Plains
1st – Jackson Cole Nebel from Jacksonville
3rd – Maverick Powell from Pleasant Plains