Austin resident Jared Boucher, a freshman in aquatic biology at Bemidji State University, joined more than 60 Bemidji State University students in volunteering at the 60th Northern Minnesota Regional Science Fair on Feb. 23.

Volunteers’ responsibilities included making signs, assisting judges, monitoring the exhibit room, decorating for the award ceremony, setting up tables, running the registration table, assisting participants and cleaning up after the science fair.

Approximately 150 students from a 15-county region competed in the fair, hosted by Bemidji State, with the top projects advancing to the Minnesota State Science and Engineering Fair, April 7-9, in Minneapolis.

Participants submitted a variety of projects in all areas of science and engineering. Projects have included macroinvertebrate populations, the design and development of high voltage oceanic wave electrolysis and development of an eco-friendly paver using incinerator ash.