Wilmington Regional NC Science Olympiad

Sixty-five teams, representing nearly 1,000 middle and high school students, competed in the 2026 Wilmington Regional Science Olympiad on March 7 at UNCW.

Hosted by the Watson College of Education’s Center for Education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (CESTEM), the annual event is held in partnership with local schools and supported by campus and community volunteers.

Science Olympiad is a national STEM competition for students in grades K–12, featuring a series of hands-on, inquiry-based events across disciplines including biology, earth and environmental science, chemistry, physics, engineering and technology.

This year’s tournament included 36 events held in locations across campus, including Trask Coliseum, Dobo Hall, DeLoach Hall and the Teaching Lab Building. More than 100 volunteers — including UNCW faculty, staff, students and community partners — supported the competition.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Bob Cutting Volunteer Award to UNCW faculty members Russell Herman and Gabriel Lugo, who have supported the Wilmington Regional Science Olympiad at UNCW since 1994.

During the closing ceremony, WCE Associate Dean Symphony Oxendine praised participants for their dedication and resilience.

“So, if a class ever made you stare at the ceiling and rethink your life choices, don’t worry — that moment does not define your future,” Oxendine said. “What does matter is what you’ve demonstrated today: curiosity, persistence, teamwork and the courage to take on challenges, even when they feel uncomfortable.”

Five high school teams and seven middle school teams will advance to the State Science Olympiad Tournament in Raleigh on April 17–18.

North Carolina Science Olympiad, a nonprofit organization, hosts regional competitions at universities, community colleges and schools across the state each year. Its mission is to encourage and support students pursuing STEM education and careers.

About CESTEM

CESTEM partners with schools, businesses and the broader community to promote STEM education through professional development, a technology loan program and regional competitions, including the Science Olympiad, Regional Science and Engineering Fair and SeaPerch. For more information, visit the CESTEM website.