2014 Energy Smart Award Winner Announced at Fair

JACKSON, Miss. (Press Release) — The Energy & Natural Resources Division of the Mississippi Development Authority announces the selection of Taylor Gaines as the winner of the 2014 Energy Smart Award for the Region II Science and Engineering Fair. The event was held March 18 on the campus of Jackson State University in Jackson, Miss.

The Energy Smart Award identifies student projects that successfully demonstrate energy efficiency, energy conservation and/or the use of renewable resources such as solar, biomass or wind power.

A 6th grade student at Northwest Rankin Elementary in Flowood, Gaines demonstrated the potential energy efficiency and viability of a rooftop garden. She constructed a prototype and discovered that the insulating properties of a rooftop garden or green roof can help a homeowner save on heating and cooling costs, as well as provide additional green space in large cities. To qualify for the award, judges evaluated the projects in accordance with specific criteria regarding project content, scientific thought, creativity, skill and thoroughness.

“Once again, the Science and Engineering Fair proves that students can have fun with science, and we are honored to play a role in helping shape the next generation of our country’s energy workforce,” said MDA Energy and Natural Resources Division Director Karen Bishop. “The quality of the entries we received, along with the obvious time and hard work that went into each project, is inspiring. We congratulate Taylor on being chosen as the recipient of the Energy Smart Award, and we commend each of this year’s participants for being a part of this year’s event.”

MDA’s Energy and Natural Resources Division provides a broad array of cost-effective energy efficiency programs and services to industry, government and businesses throughout Mississippi. For more information about the services the division offers, visit www.mississippi.org/energy.