About Us
Dr. Thomas Bowman Jr., a local physician, started the fair in 1957 to teach his 12-year-old son, Tom, a lesson. His son considered himself ‘the smartest person around.” Dr. Bowman took him to see the Westinghouse Talent Search (predecessor of ISEF) exhibit in Washington D.C. After viewing the displays, Tom admitted, “Dad, there are some people smarter than I am.” This was enough to convince Dr. Bowman of the importance of science fairs and coordinated with the National Science Fair to establish a local affiliated fair. With the sponsorship of the Patriot-News, the first fair was held at the Zembo Mosque with over 450 projects from students from 50 schools in seven counties. After undergoing several transformations, most recently in 2007 when the Patriot-News relinquished sponsorship, the Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair was formed in partnership with local Higher Education Institutions and businesses and has grown to provide the International Science and Engineering Fair affiliated opportunity to public and private school students in grades 7-12 in 37 counties. A Young Scholars program was added in 2023 for grades 5 and 6 students. These students are invited to participate in the fair and be judged for placement awards.
CASEF Mission
Our Mission is to inspire a greater interest in STEM (Science Technology Engineering Math) studies and encourage students to conduct creative research with the opportunity to present their projects for evaluation by the professional STEM community.
CASEF Vision
The Capital Area Science and Engineering Fair will serve as the venue to:
Connect bright and motivated young scientists with this region’s industry, academia and professional organizations to promote economic development within Central Pennsylvania
Encourage young scientists to find solutions to life’s greatest challenges and prepare a healthy and sustainable future.
Introduce students to the science and technology opportunities within our region will facilitate the cultivation and retention of a tremendous resource – our youth.
Our Service Area
Students must live and/or attend school in the CASEF service area. Students who attend an online school outside of the service area are only eligible to participate in ONE ISEF-affiliated fair.
Get Science Fair Ready
Get Science Fair Ready
Whether you are a student or a sponsor, we have the resources you need to get fair ready!
Meet the Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is a dedicated group of leaders committed to guiding our organization toward success. Get to know the individuals shaping your child’s future!
Abdulqadir, Raz – Penn State College of Medicine
Abram, Marie-Louise – Penn State Harrisburg, Ret.
Armstrong, Kathy – Linglestown MS, Central Dauphin School District, Ret.
Banks, Michelle – St. Theresa School, New Cumberland, Ret.
Bettermann, Wolfram – Penn State Harrisburg Associate Teaching Professor, IEEE
Britton, Tricia – Upper Dauphin Area MS, Ret.
Brumfield, Lynn – PA Turnpike Commission Training and Roadway Program Supervisor
Corradino, Mike – Dean, School of Science and Mathematics. HACC
Diehl, Amy – Board President – Camp Hill School District
Flenner, Alan – JD, PE, ENV SP | Vice President, Corporate Counsel & Facility Security Officer, Gannett Fleming
Friend, John – Vice President, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
Hardie, Rebecca – Secretary – Instructional Coach, Harrisburg High School, Sci Tech Campus
McGuire, Jessica – Halifax School District
Purushothaman, Indira – Medical Communications Specialist
Rossman, Sara – STEM Teacher St. Theresa School, New Cumberland
Walter, Adam – Treasurer – Director of Military and Veteran Affairs, HACC
Valerie Knowles – Fair Director