August 15, 2024

For Immediate Release

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NORTH CAROLINA – Four teams of students and early-career professionals were awarded prizes at third third annual Science Policy Bootcamp, held July 22–25 at Sigma Xi's Research Triangle Park headquarters. The participants took part in a four-day immersive camp focusing on state-level science policy. The final day featured a "hack-a-thon" competition in which the participants formed teams to put new tools and knowledge into action by developing and presenting a real world science policy solution. 

The camp featured networking, government tours, and interactive workshops with practitioners and leading experts in science policy. The winning team of Samantha Horvath, Maurelio Cabo Jr, Anika Pruim, and Jane Swart received the $1,000 top prize for their presentation, “Forming an Oversight Task Force and Amending the Mining Act of 1971."

Full list of 2024 winners: 

First Prize Award of $1,000
“Forming an Oversight Task Force and Amending the Mining Act of 1971”
Samantha Horvath, Maurelio Cabo Jr, Anika Pruim, Jane Swart

Second Prize Award of $750
“Harnessing Innovation Through a Phased Funding Approach to Research Commercialization”
Rebecca Ward, Emma Coltoff, William Casola

Third Prize Award of $500
“Community-Based Research Hubs: Treating Opioid Addiction in NC”
Anne-Elisabeth Baker, Randall Hayes, Nicole Vijgen 

Fourth Prize Award of $150
“Gaston County Lithium Mining”
Maylyn Hinson, Emma Butzler, Rachel Bringewatt

People’s Choice Award of $150
Anne-Elisabeth Baker, Randall Hayes, Nicole Vijgen

Learn more about the program and future dates for Science Policy Boot Camp at sigmaxi.org/spbc.