What is MSEF?
Each year Omaha metro students in grades 6-12 come together for the Annual Metropolitan Science and Engineering Fair (MSEF). The fair provides students with an opportunity to present and display their research projects for college educators and practicing career professionals to provide feedback. MSEF is done in affiliation with the Nebraska Junior Academy of Sciences (NJAS).
The mission of Midwest Laboratories is to drive a positive impact on the lives of our employees, clients, and communities. We believe there is a lot of positive community impact in investing in the education of young people. We are a proud sponsor of this wonderful event. Beyond our sponsorship each year a few individuals from our organization donate their time and expertise to MSEF as a way of delivering on our mission.
Giving Back Made Extra Special
One of the Midwest Laboratories judges, Karlee Qualheim, who has participated in recent years and made a return in 2023 has a special connection to MSEF. She was once a student who participated in the fair. It is a full circle moment of being able to contribute back to an organization and project that was a positive part of her youth.
We asked Karlee questions about being a participant and what it means to her to give back in this way below. She was also kind enough to supply some photographic evidence of her personal MSEF experience.
- We know you have agreed to be a MSEF judge on the behalf of our organization this year. What is your personal history with the MSEF?
I was a student at the Zoo Academy through the Omaha Zoo. I was a participant in the 2012 and the 2013 MSEF. In 2013, my project placed in the top 5! I worked with a few cownose sting rays that were experiencing emaciation due to multiple factors. The keepers were needing someone who was able to experiment with different foods and track progress daily over a long period of time. We did continuous weigh-ins to ensure they were getting the proper nutrition.
2. What is your role at Midwest Laboratories?
I am the Rush and Outsource Coordinator for Midwest Labs. I work with clients from each industry on countless projects. On the rush end, my main task to be the liaison between our clients and the lab. I schedule the rush in our system and communicate with the lab to ensure results are reported to our clients on or before the guaranteed date.
On the outsource end I work with labs all over the United States (and sometimes internationally) to find trusted facilities that can run analyses we are not set up for. This way our client can worry about sending their product to one place and I do the hands-on part such as communicating with the outsource lab, creating proper submittal paperwork, handling of samples, tracking shipments, and reporting results.
3. What field of study did you pursue for your education?
I went to Northwest Missouri State University. I graduated with a B.S. in Animal Science.
4.What would you tell any young person who is interested in a career in any scientific discipline?
This isn’t necessarily just for students in the scientific field, this advice is for every young person. The choices you make at this age of your life (15-18) are crucial for your future. But that doesn’t mean your life can’t change or won’t change. I remember thinking to myself my junior and senior year of high school, “if I don’t figure out what I want to do for the rest of my life right NOW, I am going to be a failure.” And that’s just not true.
I switched my major my sophomore year of college and at that time, that was a sign of failure to me. What I am realizing now, is that choice reflected strength and courage to keep going when I just wanted to give up completely. The best thing you can do for yourself is to go to school (or go into a trade), study hard, work hard, make friends and don’t be afraid to change the environment you are in in order to thrive. Your life will take you to so many places if you work hard and believe in yourself.
5. What is your favorite part of being able to give back to your community as a judge for this event?
The MSEF was my first “big project” as a student in the scientific field. This was the event we prepared for all year long. Our teachers were so hands on making sure each and every student was well practiced and confident in their work.
The judges that walked around all day listening to myself and my peers go on and on about our projects are the foundation of these events. The judges were the starting point of being able to present and receive constructive criticism about something I was so passionate about. I am so excited to be the judge of some of these student’s projects and to be a part of their growth as scientists.
2023 MSEF
This year Midwest Laboratories sent Karlee alongside Zach Hettenbaugh (IT) and Shanelle Dillion (Microbiology) to participate as judges. The enthusiasm from the students and their teachers was contagious. It was amazing to see how much effort and thought were put into each project. This event continues to serve as a reminder of the critical value of education and empowerment in young people’s lives. Our team left feeling like our future is bright!
*Bonus Content
Check out the 2022 MSEF Virtual Awards ceremony where Midwest Labs awarded (6) projects as well as sponsored the 2022 Michele Richard Teacher/ Sponsor Award to an educator who was recognized for their enthusiasm, encourage, and dedication to student science research.
