By Michelle Crean

Killarney students more than impressed the BT Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition judges with their investigations - so much so that they've made the finals this coming January.

PROJECT: Angelina Kendel and Rabea Flugel from Killarney Community College have had their project 'How quarantine and home office affect our psyche' selected by the screening judges to compete in the virtual finals of the BT Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition.

HAPPY: Olivia Gaffey and Clodagh Lucey from St Brigid's Presentation with their project 'What factors influence the perceived rate of exertion on students?' which has made it to the BT Young Scientist finals.

MENTAL HEALTH: Anna Moynihan's project 'A comparative study: VSCO vs. Instagram and how they affect the self-esteem/mental health of adolescents' has made it through to the BT Young Scientist final.

THRILLED: St Brigid's Presentation Killarney students Ali O'Donoghue and Eilis Mullane are thrilled to have their project 'Vertical Farming The Future for Eco Friendly Schools' through to the finals of the BT Young Scientist.

Transition Year students Rabea Flugel and Angelina Kendel from Killarney Community College studied how 'How quarantine and home office affect our psyche' which sees them through to the virtual final from January 12 to 14.

"It is a great achievement to be one of the 550 selected projects. As there were over 1400 applications, this is a true testament to their unique concept and dedication as young scientists," Killarney Community College science teacher Ms. Spillane, said.

"This is a fantastic achievement as the competition is fierce and the standards are so high. The girl's project will investigate the psychological effects of the lockdown on both students and teachers. This is an interesting and important investigation in the current climate."

Meanwhile the hard work of four projects completed by St Brigid Presentation students were also put forward for the final.

They include 'My Carbon Buddy' by Abbie O'Sullivan and Keira Geaney. Olivia Gaffey and Clodagh Lucey submitted their project 'What factors influence the perceived rate of exertion on students?', Anna Moynihan's project 'A comparative study: VSCO vs. Instagram and how they affect the self-esteem/mental health of adolescents', while Ali O'Donoghue and Eilis Mullane examined 'Vertical Farming, The Future for Eco Friendly Schools'.