Dunham eighth grade scientists Patrick Murphy and Maddie Benton both placed in the top 3 of the Microbiology category at the Louisiana State Science Fair held March 20 at LSU.

Murphy won 1st place in the Microbiology category with his project, “Teenagers vs. Healthcare Workers: Whose Phones Contain More Bacteria?”  He also received the Naval Science Award, given by the U.S Navy and  Marine Corps to four students whose projects are considered to demonstrate excellence in science and engineering.

Benton placed 3rd in the Microbiology category with her project, “How Vessel Size Affects Bacterial Growth.

Both Murphy and Benton again were selected as Broadcom Masters nominees. Broadcom MASTERS (Math, Applied Science, Technology and Engineering for Rising Stars) is the premier science and engineering competition for middle school students. The top 10% of 6th, 7th and 8th grade competitors at science fairs around the country enter a select group of students invited  to enter this prestigious STEM competition.