State science fair success is something that truly runs in the Clark family. Alex Clark, an eighth grade student at Miller Intermediate School, placed third in the environmental projects category at the state competition recently. In 2002, his sister Erica also competed at the state level in the same division as a seventh grader at Miller. Erica will graduate from Pasadena Memorial High School at the end of May.

Clark spent several months researching the subject of his project, which was how temperature affects Sea Anemones.

Alex’s success at state marked a milestone for the Miller Intermediate science program, as this is the 13th year that students from the school have advanced to the state competition.

Last year, Clark advanced to the regional science fair, which served as a springboard for his accomplishments this year.

“He is a very, bright determined student,” said Cindy Bagwill, Miller science teacher. “I am not surprised by his success. Alex is the type of student who sets his mind on doing something, then goes the extra mile to accomplish his goal.”

In addition to running field tests on how temperature affect the anemones, he charted his months of finding through various computer programs and creating charts and graphs.

“It was a lot of work, but was a project that I really enjoyed,” Clark said. “I feel that protecting the environment is important and that is what I stressed through my project.”

The theme of Clark’s project impressed the judges as he not only finished third at state, but also earned an Environmental Protection Agency award.

“I believe that the environment and human health are the two most important things that should be focused on in this world of science,” he said.

In addition to Clark’s science fair display and documentation of data, he had to give an oral presentation on his subject and field questions from judges.

“Alex was very strong in his presentation,” Bagwill said. “It showed that he had a very thorough understanding of his research and the scientific processes that went into his project.”

Clark will attend Memorial High School next year and has his eyes set on greater science success.

“Going to state was a fun experience,” he said. “It is certainly motivation to do it again next year.”