The International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) was held in Louisville, Kentucky from May 12-18, 2002. The ISEF holds the only science competition in the world for students in grades 9 through 12. The convention attracted over 1200 young scientists in field such as biology, physics, behavioral science and mathematics. Awards were presented by more than 50 professional societies representing these diverse sciences.

On behalf of the American Phytopathological Society, projects relating to plant pathology were judged by APS members and faculty from the Department of Plant Pathology at the University of Kentucky. First prize was awarded to Megan Friskop of Hankinson, ND for her work "An Investigation of Fungal Pathogens and Their Adversaries." Second prize went to Mary Gardner of Griffin, GA for a project "Detecting Genetic Variability in Xylella fastidiosa Strains." Third prize went to Raygen Yantis of Gold Beach, Oregon for "A Mathematical Analysis of 'Sudden Oak Decline' epidemiology," and Rachel Zelkowitz of Longwood, Florida won fourth prize for an "Investigation of Percent Transmittance Rates and Cross Protection Phenomenon in Cabbage leaf curl virus". The winners are shown in the photograph below.

2002 ISEF APS Judge and Award winners (Left to right): John Hartman, Megan Friskop, Mary Gardner, Raygen Yantis and Rachel Zelkowitz.