Liberty aces regionals, heads to Science Bowl national finals

MADISON – After a victory in regional competition in Mobile on March 11, a team from Liberty Middle School will compete this spring in the National Finals for the 2023 National Science Bowl.

The Office of Science with the U.S. Department of Energy or DOE manages the National Science Bowl and sponsors finals competition.

“The National Science Bowl is an extraordinary competition that brings together young minds across America through science and technology,” Asmeret Asefaw Berhe said. Berhe is Director of DOE’s Office of Science. “I congratulate the Liberty Middle School team. Good luck to you — our future scientists, visionaries and leaders.”

National Science Bowl uses a fast-paced, question-and-answer format to solve technical problems and answer questions on a range of science disciplines including biology, chemistry, Earth and space sciences, physics and math.

As winners in their qualifying regional competition, Liberty is eligible for National Finals in Washington D.C. from April 27 to May 1, all expenses paid. Students will pursue science activities, sightseeing and contests.

At nationals, the top two middle and high school teams will win $5,000 for their schools. Other schools in the top 16 will receive $1,000.

Dr Lori Shrode, who teaches science at Liberty, serves as the Science Bowl’s teacher coach. Suresh Avula is the parent coach.

Avula works as a Design Engineer at ADTRAN Inc., a Huntsville-based telecom company, which he thanked for allowing him to volunteer. “I would like to thank Dr. Shrode for restarting Science Bowl and Science Bee at Liberty and giving these kids an opportunity to compete and achieve their dreams,” Avula said.

“Dr. Shrode’s passion is now to instill curiosity and love of science in the next generation. She’s a firm believer that engaging in real-world learning is the key to building knowledge and helping students grow as scientists,” Avula said.

“I believed in these kids’ abilities. They are doing great in science and math competitions for the last three years. Some kids also qualified for the National Science Olympiad in 2021 and are aiming to repeat it in 2023,” Avula said.

Since the first competition in 1991, approximately 335,000 students have faced off in the National Science Bowl Finals. Former competitors have acquired knowledge and, more importantly, collaborative skills and study habits that have led them to success in various fields.

For more information, visit energy.gov/science.