CARLINVILLE – Blackburn College welcomed 14 regional schools and 26 educators, bringing around 250 high school students for its 36th annual Science Day this spring. The event, held on the College’s campus in Carlinville, offered a day of hands-on science activities, friendly competition, and immersive academic exploration, planned and led almost entirely by Blackburn students.
Through Blackburn’s distinctive Work Program, more than 50 student workers were essential in organizing, preparing, and carrying out the event. From coordinating with schools and setting up labs to leading demonstrations and managing logistics, Blackburn students were at the heart of the experience. Seniors Alexia Mosby ’25 and Jessica Muckensturm ’25 coordinated the effort.
“I love getting the opportunity to coordinate Science Day because we get to meet regional high school teachers and students throughout the process,” said Mosby. “Many of the Blackburn students participating in Science Day, including myself, are from local areas and get the opportunity to reconnect with their former high school science teachers. When speaking with my high school teachers at Science Day, they’re surprised to see how much I’ve grown and all I’ve accomplished since being a shy high school student in their classroom.”
Muckensturm added, “It is amazing to work with the community because it’s important to give back to those who support us. I also think it’s important to show the community what we do here and invite them to enjoy the same things we get to enjoy every day.”
Nine Blackburn professors worked alongside students to facilitate demonstrations in biology, chemistry, computer science, psychology, and physics. Visiting students competed in scholarship exams and interactive science challenges designed to spark curiosity and promote hands-on discovery.
Science Day continues to be a meaningful connection point between Blackburn and the surrounding community, highlighting the impact of student-led work and the value of experiential learning. For local students and educators, it’s a memorable visit. For Blackburn students, it’s a powerful opportunity to lead, grow, and give back.
Science Day Results
Below is a list of the 2025 Science Day winners:
SCHOOLS
Biology Exam (There was a tie for 3rd place)
1st – Riverton led by Chris Brown and Megan McCormick
2nd – Jacksonville led by Heather English and Adam Reed
3rd – Calhoun led by Ann Gilman and Heather Reed
3rd – Pana led by Matthew Sanders, Greg Cothern, and Autumn Amling
Chemistry Exam
1st – Pleasant Plains led by Brian Conklin
2nd – Jacksonville led by Heather English and Adam Reed
3rd – Calhoun led by Ann Gilman and Heather Reed
Physics Exam
1st – Pleasant Plains led by Brian Conklin
2nd – Rochester led by Ms. Seitz, Mrs. Godar, and Mrs. Green
3rd – Athens led by Pam Warren and Rachel Skelton
Psychology Exam
1st – Mascoutah led by Kira Budde and Beth Scott
2nd – Pleasant Plains led by Brian Conklin
3rd – Carlinville led by Jason Crowell and Robin Phelps
STUDENTS
Biology Exam (There was a tie for 2nd place)
1st place – Kaine Climaco from Mascoutah
2nd place – Kate Zipprich from Calhoun
2nd place – Evan Gillespie from Jacksonville
Chemistry Exam (There was a tie for 1st place)
1st – Paul Anderson from Pleasant Plains
1st – Jackson Cole Nebel from Jacksonville
3rd – Maverick Powell from Pleasant Plains
Physics Exam
1st – Lincoln Young from Pleasant Plains
2nd – Cole Payne from Pleasant Plains
3rd – Jacob Hermes from Pleasant Plains
Psychology Exam
1st – Kaylee Kilbreath from Mascoutah
2nd – Garret Beobe from Pleasant Plains
3rd – Joshua Oh from Pleasant Plains
Dr. Samantha Kahl, Professor of Biology and Ecology, serves as the faculty advisor for Science Day. If there are any questions about the 2026 event, please contact Dr. Kahl ([email protected]) until new student coordinators are appointed in the fall.
About Blackburn College
Founded in 1837, Blackburn College is a four-year, Presbyterian-related, co-educational liberal arts college located in Carlinville, IL. One of only ten federally recognized Work Colleges, Blackburn is the only Work Program in the nation managed by students. Balancing academic rigor and experiential learning, each student at Blackburn gains tangible experience and develops critical skills by contributing to their community, all while building a resume and earning their degree. U.S. News & World Report has recognized Blackburn College as one of the best colleges in the Midwest region for 2025 and also earned rankings as a best-value school and a top performer for social mobility. The Washington Monthly ranked Blackburn as second overall among baccalaureate colleges in Illinois and first in Pell Grant student performance in 2024.
