The Scientific Equipment and Furniture Association (SEFA) was organized in 1988 to meet the needs of an important industry of lab designers and manufacturers of laboratory furniture. SEFA's members work closely with laboratory owners, architects, contractors and others to advance the goal of creating a safe lab environment.
In the fall of 2011, SEFA launched their very first Student Design Competition for high school juniors and seniors. The main objective was for students to design a piece of lab furniture or related equipment which the student (s) believes would enhance the laboratory learning experience. Students had the option to work individually or as a team.
SEFA chose six industry professionals to judge the competition. The Judges were, LaMoine L. Motz, Ph.D., former president and life member of National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), Jeff Talka, AIA, NCARB, LEED, AP, James Hill, AIA, LEED, AP, Principal of BSA Life Structures, Jeanne Qiu, AIA, LEED, AP, Architectural Service rep at Erlab, Inc., Rich J. Mohr, AIA, Sr. Project Architect at Flad & Associates, and Valerie Ross, LEED, AP, Sales Manager for Trespa, NA.
The 14 student design submissions were not only unique, but showed hard work and dedication. SEFA Members were extremely impressed with the design ideas that were presented. The Judges were also excited and eager to grade and evaluate the designs. The Judges met in San Jose, CA on Monday October 1st to discuss and evaluate the contest submissions and select the winning designs. The scholarship awards will be paid directly to the students College/University and is funded by The Mike Kloosterman Foundation. SEFA would like to congratulate the following deserving student winners:
1st Place - The Data Lift- Laptop /Notebook stand - $6,000
Designed by Quentin Torgerson of Mars Area High School, Mars, PA
2nd Place – The Lab Desk Pro - $3,000
Designed by Markus Proctor of Charles Herbert Flowers High School, Marlboro, MD
3rd Place – The Lab Pad - $1,500
Designed by Elena Lozano & Samantha Nygaard of Stanton College Preparatory School, Jacksonville, FL
If you would like to view the Winning Design Videos, you can do so by going to SEFA’s YouTube site – SEFA1917.
