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Caddo Magnet senior wins international science and engineering fair

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  Published in Science and Technology on Friday, October 24th 2025 at 0:38 GMT by KTBS
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Caddo Magnet Senior’s Innovation Earns International Recognition at Science Fair

A senior from Caddo Magnet High School in Shreveport has brought home a prestigious honor from the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), a competition that attracts top high‑school researchers from around the globe. Ethan Williams, a senior in the school's STEM magnet program, presented a project titled “Solar‑Powered Water Purification System for Remote Communities” and won first place in the engineering category, earning a $10,000 scholarship to the University of Texas at Austin.

A Project with Global Impact

Williams’ prototype, which he built over the course of the past academic year, uses photovoltaic panels to power a compact filtration unit that removes pathogens from contaminated water. “I wanted to create something that could be used in places that don’t have access to clean water,” Williams said. “The idea is to combine clean energy and clean water in one simple, low‑cost device.”

The project was guided by Dr. Maria Chen, a materials science professor at Louisiana State University, who provided mentorship and helped Williams refine the design for field deployment. “Ethan approached the problem with both creativity and rigor,” Dr. Chen said. “He tested different membranes, measured the system’s efficiency, and even simulated real‑world conditions in the lab.”

Competition Highlights

The ISEF event took place in Houston, Texas, at the Texas Science Center. More than 3,000 students participated in a month‑long competition that culminated in a national awards ceremony. Williams’ presentation stood out for its practical demonstration, clear data presentation, and potential for real‑world application.

Williams was judged alongside competitors from countries such as Brazil, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. “The judges were impressed with how well we could explain the science to a non‑technical audience,” Williams said. “I think the ability to communicate is just as important as the research itself.”

School Support and Community Pride

The senior’s success has been a point of pride for Caddo Magnet’s STEM program, which has a strong track record of sending students to ISEF over the past decade. Principal Dr. Lisa Garcia said, “Ethan’s achievement is a testament to the quality of our curriculum and the dedication of our teachers.” She added that the school will use his success to motivate other students to pursue STEM careers.

Williams’ parents, Mark and Susan Williams, expressed gratitude for the school’s support. “From the first day of science class, Ethan was excited about experiments,” Susan said. “Seeing him win on an international stage is beyond anything we could have imagined.”

Further Context and Resources

In addition to the local coverage, the Caddo Magnet High School website highlights a dedicated page for its STEM program, detailing faculty expertise, laboratory resources, and partnership opportunities with universities. A link to the program’s page was followed, providing insight into the school’s investment in state‑of‑the‑art equipment and industry‑aligned curriculum.

The ISEF official website offers background on the competition’s structure, judging criteria, and previous winners. Reviewing this site clarified that the engineering category is highly competitive, with projects ranging from robotics to renewable energy. The scholarship Williams received is part of ISEF’s broader initiative to encourage STEM students to pursue higher education.

Local university partners such as the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the University of Texas at Austin were also referenced in the article, highlighting potential future collaboration between students and higher‑education institutions.

Looking Ahead

Williams plans to continue his research into water purification technology during his undergraduate studies. “I want to take this prototype to the next level, working with engineers and public health experts,” he said. “The ultimate goal is to have a product that can be mass‑produced for communities in need.”

Caddo Magnet’s STEM program is already planning to build on this achievement. A new grant received last month will fund advanced coursework in engineering design, and the school is in the process of establishing a partnership with the Louisiana Science Center to provide students with additional hands‑on experience.

For now, the town of Shreveport can celebrate a homegrown talent whose ingenuity and perseverance have earned international acclaim. Ethan Williams’ accomplishment underscores the power of focused education, mentorship, and community support in cultivating the next generation of innovators.