WARNER ROBINS -- Siblings Navin and Namrata Buxani are in 10th grade at Houston County High School. They have something else in common, too.

They each won individual grand prizes at the Houston Regional Science and Engineering Fair, allowing them to advance to the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair, which will be held in Phoenix, Ariz., in May.

Navin, 16, advanced with his project, “The Efficiency of Biodiesels from Various Oil Sources,” and Namrata, 15, advanced for hers, “Proteolysis and Lipolysis of Goat and Cow Yogurt.”

The children of Haresh and Sharmila Buxani, the pair have been interested in science from a very early age.

“My mom helps us a lot with transportation and getting our supplies,” Namrata said.

But their interest in the sciences did not come from their parents. Father Haresh owns a clothing store and mother Sharmila is an insurance agent.

They both credit their honors science teacher, Brenda Taylor at Feagin Mill Middle School, for giving them the guidance to succeed at the science fair.

In middle school, Taylor helped coach them to start off their projects. But as high school students, the pair were on their own to complete them.

“I am very proud of them,” Taylor said. “They are two awesome students.”

Namrata teased her brother about almost not finishing his project in time. She was done early and enjoyed making her three-sided poster board.

Navin, however, is not the artsy type.

“I skipped a day of school to finish my board,” he said. “The board isn’t fun.”

Navin wants to be a doctor, possibly specializing in neurology. Namrata is thinking about becoming a physical therapist or psychologist.

Though they are competitive with each other, the two are considering working together on a project for next year’s science fair.

It shouldn’t be too difficult because they are in the same clubs and sports, as well.

The brother and sister both play tennis, are into music and are members of Future Business Leaders of America, Beta Club and the math team. They were accepted into the National Honors Society this year.

Also advancing to the international competition are Ben Gibbs, of Bonaire Middle School, for the project “The Effect of Household Items on a Powerline Ethernet Network” and Morgan Carr, of Feagin Mill Middle, for “Fantasy Fuels.”