Volunteer Viewpoints: Chris RoDee

The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair is the largest STEM competition for high school students in the world. Each year, the fair brings together about 2,000 students from more than 70 countries, regions and territories to compete for nearly $9 million in scholarships and awards. Along with all these bright young minds and their supporters, Regeneron ISEF is only possible through the hard work of thousands of dedicated volunteers and judges—people like Chris RoDee.

Chris is retired from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, where he was Primary Examiner in Imaging Chemistry, specializing in electrophotography and xerography. Involved with ISEF since 2007, Chris is a member of the fair’s Judging Advisory Committee, as well as Co-Chair of ISEF’s newest category, Technology Enhances the Arts. As we prepare for the 2025 competition in Columbus, Ohio, next month, we asked Chris to share some of his ISEF experiences—and why he encourages others to volunteer  at Regeneron ISEF 2025 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, from May 10 – 16.

Here are a few things he had to say:

“One of the best things about volunteering at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair is the opportunity to support young people who are absolutely outstanding in their endeavors. You help these students as they find their place in the world. You are part of rewarding them so that they continue in STEM. And that’s important, because these kids can do anything they set their minds to. It’s great to show them that there is a place for them in science, engineering and math.

“I started judging local and regional science fairs in the mid-2000s. I first attended ISEF in 2007 in Albuquerque, where I was a Special Awards judge. I made the trip from Northern Virginia, judged and thought, “This is really fun.” It became a whirlwind from there. I went on to be a Grand Awards judge in Atlanta in 2008, and then Reno in 2009. Now I’m getting ready for Columbus this May and Phoenix in 2026.

“As you meet with students, you have organic conversations and back-and-forth banter. That’s when you really start to see their work, what they’re excited about and what they feel is their greatest contribution. Some of the best moments are when you ask a student a question and they give you an answer that you didn’t expect, which leads to more questions and ideas. Those are the times you open  to new possibilities.

“More than anything, when students come to Regeneron ISEF, they find nearly 2,000 other kids they can instantly connect with. They nerd out on all things science and engineering and are excited to learn about each other’s work. It’s an incredible community. As a volunteer, you help support that.

“As a Regeneron ISEF volunteer, you will meet a lot of really fantastic people. If you continue volunteering, every year becomes like a reunion—you pick up exactly where you left off. You work together, trust each other and there is a real camaraderie among all the volunteers. We all have the common goal of helping these students succeed.”

Volunteers support everything from student registration to room staffing to award coordination, and much much more. Interpreters play an important role by helping students explain their projects to judges and the public. Whether you can give a few hours or commit to the full week, there are opportunities for volunteers at every level.

Learn more and register to volunteer at Regeneron ISEF in Columbus, Ohio from May 10 – 16!