Tulane to Host First-Ever Science Olympiad Invitational, Seeks Volunteers and Judges
Tulane University will host its first-ever Science Olympiad Invitational Tournament on January 24, 2026, bringing together middle and high school students from across Louisiana and the broader region to compete in one of the nation’s largest and most rigorous STEM competitions. The event, led by the newly established Tulane Science Olympiad student organization, will showcase the university’s commitment to expanding science education access and mentorship opportunities for youth.
The invitational has been made possible due to the work of Anthony Marshall (’28), a rising sophomore majoring in Cell & Molecular Biology and Spanish, who founded the Tulane Science Olympiad Student Organization during his freshman year. The group is the first nationally chartered Science Olympiad alumni chapter in Louisiana and one of the only such university organizations in the Deep South. Marshall credits the organization’s rapid growth and success to the dedication of its executive board, a team of passionate students who have played a crucial role in organizing the event, securing funding, and building partnerships throughout the community.
“I competed in Science Olympiad in middle school and high school,” said Marshall, “and it really made me want to pursue a career in STEM… and I hope to share that with other kids and to help guide them towards a field that maybe they wouldn't be introduced to if it weren't for our program.”
About the Science Olympiad
Science Olympiad is a nationwide program with over 6,000 middle and high school teams. The competition spans events across biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and engineering, including both academic exams and hands-on design challenges like bridge building or flight testing. Marshall explains, “What makes it unique is that there are engineering events coupled with traditional academic testing events. So there's a niche for every person and every kind of science.”
Tulane’s January invitational will host both middle school and high school divisions simultaneously, making it one of the largest single-day STEM outreach efforts in the state. The organization’s goal is to attract at least 30 teams and double the number of active Science Olympiad teams across Louisiana within the next two years. Marshall describes the organization’s vision, “We want students to feel like they have the ability to pursue these careers and these paths in education, no matter what their background is, whether that be students from urban schools in New Orleans or students from rural schools in Louisiana.” Louisiana currently has just 18 registered teams, a steep drop from pre-COVID levels.
A Call for Volunteers and Judges
To make this ambitious event a reality, the Tulane Science Olympiad Student Organization is calling on students, faculty, alumni, and community members to step up as volunteers and event judges. The team needs help with:
• Proctoring academic tests
• Judging engineering-based events (e.g., testing bridges or machines built by students)
• Grading exams and scoring competitions
• Providing campus guidance and logistical support
• Assisting with awards and coordination
Volunteers do not need to have a science background — just an interest in supporting STEM education and mentoring the next generation of scientists and engineers.
“We would love to have anyone help us, and we would love to bring anyone in and share our mission with them, and to help them help these kids. So really, anyone is welcome to reach out and to help volunteer for our event,” Marshal says.
How to Get Involved
An official volunteer sign-up form will be released in early fall, and the group hopes to finalize its volunteer team by December 2025. Anyone interested in volunteering, judging, or supporting the event financially is encouraged to reach out to the Tulane Science Olympiad Student Organization directly.
To get involved or learn more, email the Tulane Science Olympiad Student Organization at tulanescioly@tulane.edu.
