Intern Update: Young scientist inspires confidence in the future of research!

Sayre McElroy, 2025, with her award.

Sayre McElroy, a senior at Cascade high school utilized her internship experience at the McLaughlin Research Institute to design her experiment-Filtering the Invisible, which investigated how to detect filtered microplastics using a microscope.  McElroy presented her project at the 2025 Regional Science Fair held at Great Falls College on March 13 and earned first place which qualifies her to attend this year’s international science fair which will be held in May in Columbus, Ohio.   “Sayre has been involved with science fair for 6 years and while her school science fair career is ending, we can’t wait to see what she does next, said Brenda Canine an assistant professor at the McLaughlin Research Institute who works with student interns including Sayre.   “Students have a spark and a curiosity that makes it fun to work with them,” said Canine." and their ideas are going to lead to the next big discovery.  Experiences like internships and science fair are ones that people remember years later, and they have a lasting impact on future careers.” 

For Sayre, she wants to keep doing research and is majoring in biological sciences and says “If there is one thing I’ve learned—it’s that science isn’t about being the smartest person in the room—it’s about being curious and willing to learn.  McLaughlin gave me my first real taste of research and the science fair showed me that anyone with passion and persistence can create something impactful.  Science is for everyone and that’s what makes it so exciting!”   Those interested in sponsoring an internship or signing up for our research registry may contact the McLaughlin Research Institute at (406) 452-6208