Mathew Ogieva, a Nigerian expert in geoscience and data innovation based in the United States, has continued to make significant contributions to global advancements in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) via telephone on Tuesday, Ogieva revealed that he recently served as a Grand Award Judge at the 75th Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), which took place from May 10 to 17 in Columbus, Ohio.
ISEF, regarded as the world’s largest STEM competition for pre-college students, is organized annually by the Society for Science, a non-profit organization headquartered in Washington, D.C.
The 2025 edition brought together nearly 1,700 participants from over 60 countries.
Ogieva described the event as the most prestigious global platform for young scientific minds.
He noted that he participated in judging more than 70 innovative projects in the Earth and Environmental Sciences category, applying his expertise to support and inspire youth-led scientific exploration.
“My judging journey has taken me across the U.S., including at the 2025 California Science and Engineering Fair (CSEF) hosted at California Lutheran University, where I also reviewed projects in the Earth and Environmental Science category,” he said.
He emphasized that his role goes beyond assessment, as he also provides mentorship and guidance to young innovators around the world. Ogieva is currently a member of the Judging Advisory Committee for the 2026 CSEF.
His judging portfolio includes several other major events: the State Science Day & STEP Fair in Ohio (April 2025) under the Ohio Academy of Science, Terra NYC STEM Fair at New York University – Tandon School of Engineering (March 2025), the Technovation Girls Global Competition (2025), and the Virginia Junior Academy of Science (VJAS) in May 2025.
According to NAN, Ogieva is not only recognized for his scientific acumen but also for his dedication to nurturing future generations of innovators.
