Two years of intensive work are now paying off: Students from Phorms Frankfurt (Taunus Campus) achieved above-average success in the regional “Jugend forscht” competition in biology and technology.
In Hanau, the students presented their research findings to a panel of expert judges. With a first-place win in biology and a third-place finish in the technology category, they demonstrated what is possible when curiosity meets perseverance. Dana Dalal and Jack Parameswaran will now compete in the state competition in Darmstadt on March 18 and 19.
It all started with a simple question:
Can the methane gas produced during the decomposition of organic waste in compost be used to power small devices? And can organic waste thus become a renewable energy source?
With curiosity, team spirit, and a great deal of perseverance, Dana Dalal, Fineas Kirchner, Jack Parameswaran, and Raphael Theil worked on their project for over two years. Every Tuesday after school, they planned and documented their work themselves and had the courage to constantly rethink their approach. They were guided by Dr. Audrey Schollier, who provided the framework, helped refine their questions, and ensured the next steps were in place—without dictating the path forward.
Here’s a brief summary of what the projects were about:
Dana Dalal and Jack Parameswaran investigated how methane can be extracted from food waste and under what conditions this process is particularly efficient.
At the same time, Fineas Kirchner and Raphael Theil developed a prototype designed to detect the methane produced and make it technically manageable so that it can be stored. In this way, biology and technology were meaningfully integrated.
Another highlight: Dr. Audrey Schollier was honored for her exemplary support of young talent and her exceptional dedication to mentoring “Jugend forscht” projects.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the four students and their teacher and are keeping our fingers crossed for them as they compete in the state competition in Darmstadt.
