More than 1,500 students from 34 schools in five counties descended upon the former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant to take part in the 15th annual U.S. Department of Energy’s Science Alliance — a record participation for the event.
Office of Environmental Management
November 10, 2026
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PIKETON, Ohio — More than 1,500 students from 34 schools in five counties descended upon the former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant to take part in the 15th annual U.S. Department of Energy’s Science Alliance — a record participation for the event.
Each year, high school students take part in one of the biggest hands-on science events in southern Ohio to learn more about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers and potential future opportunities.
“It is always inspiring to see the students come here and enjoy themselves and interact with all the presenters, whether it’s during a hands-on demonstration or learning about a career or educational path after high school,” Acting Portsmouth Site Lead and Federal Project Director Christy Brown said. “The students seem to really appreciate the opportunities that go beyond the classroom.”
During the event, students learned about fire safety by using a fire simulator, dove into the past of the Portsmouth Site by viewing historic items, answered site trivia for a chance to win the coveted “Smack Down Science” trophy, controlled a robotic arm with the help of Shawnee State University representatives, met native aquatic creatures with Ohio University staff members, and much more.
-Contributor: Shawn Jordan
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