(July 22, 2023) In a remarkable display of scientific brilliance, six young innovators of Indian American heritage have emerged as shining stars among the USA’s brightest in the prestigious 3M Young Scientist Challenge. These ingenious middle school students have secured their spots in the competition’s top ten finalists, captivating judges and spectators alike with their groundbreaking research and innovative ideas. Hailing from diverse backgrounds and regions, these budding scientists have proven that age knows no boundaries when it comes to transforming the world through science.
The 3M Young Scientist Challenge, renowned for its rigorous selection process, attracts talent from all corners of the US. Global Indian delve into the stories behind these six extraordinary kids, whose names are etched in the hall of fame for young scientists. The future indeed looks brighter with these young trailblazers at the forefront of scientific innovation.
Ishaan Iyer
The brilliant innovator behind the groundbreaking Tactile Electronic Braille Display Device 2.0, Ishaan Iyer is the youngest among the ten finalists of the esteemed Discovery 3M Young Scientist Challenge 2023. With a passion for creating solutions that make a difference, Ishaan set out to revolutionize the process of Braille writing for the visually impaired. His ingenious device offers a cost-effective and efficient alternative to the traditional slate and stylus method, encoding the English alphabet into Braille language and simplifying the way the visually impaired read.
When asked about his favourite invention from the last century, Ishaan enthusiastically cites the reusable rocket, showcasing his fascination with space exploration. Aspiring to be a rocket scientist, he dreams of contributing to the development of economical and eco-friendly spacecraft. Beyond his years in age, Ishaan’s innovative spirit and determination have propelled him to the forefront of the Young Scientist Challenge, earning admiration and respect from his peers and mentors alike.
Anisha Dhoot
The remarkable Indian American innovator’s passion for the environment drove her innovative project, aimed at creating a sustainable planet through the use of kelp seaweed to enhance soil nutrition and combat climate change. With a vision for a better world, Anisha aspires to pursue a career in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to positively impact the lives of people on Earth.
At just 14 years old, Anisha is determined to break barriers and challenge the underrepresentation of girls in STEM fields. With her scientific curiosity and dedication, she aims to inspire a shift in this trend both during high school and college and in professional careers. Hailing from Portland, her journey as a budding scientist reflects her unwavering determination to create a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Shripriya Kalbhavi
Just in eighth grade, and already making headlines. A student of Joaquin Miller Middle School in San Jose, Shripriya is making waves with her groundbreaking invention: EasyBZ microneedle patches, an affordable and painless solution for medication. This active drug delivery system utilizes Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction automation, enabling precise doses of medication to be administered into the body. Fueled by her passion for scientific advancements, particularly in the realm of medication, the innovator harbors dreams of becoming a neurosurgeon.
Beyond her impressive work in the medical field, Shripriya’s talents extend to mathematics, where she excels as a mathlete. Her enthusiasm for numbers and problem-solving has led her to actively participate in esteemed math competitions like Math Kangaroo and AMC8, showcasing her versatility and acumen in diverse academic pursuits.
Adhip Maitra
Ever heard of ptosis? It’s a condition that causes eyelids to droop abnormally, potentially obstructing vision. Though often linked to aging, many individuals remain unaware of its presence until it worsens. This intriguing fact, combined with ptosis being a symptom of 48 different diseases and disorders, served as the catalyst for Adhip Maitra’s brilliant idea: a computer programme for early ptosis detection. With his innovation, he aims to identify the condition promptly and unveil any underlying serious ailments that might otherwise go unnoticed until advanced stages.
An eighth grade-innovator from Jackson Heights Middle School in Oviedo, Florida, Adhipa delved into the realm of deep learning and other cutting-edge technologies to develop this remarkable computer programme. By employing these advanced tools, he hopes to make a significant impact on healthcare and improve the lives of countless individuals. As he continues to fine-tune his invention, Adhip’s dedication and ingenuity shine as a beacon of hope for a future where early detection and intervention lead to better outcomes for patients facing ptosis and related medical conditions.
Shruti Sivaraman
An aspiring app developer with a mission to make a difference, Shruti Sivaraman has created a remarkable application to diagnose Diabetic Retinopathy (DR), a serious vision-related complication affecting those with diabetes. Her innovative smart app utilizes retinal image analysis, offering a more efficient alternative to the traditional dilated eye exam, which typically involves the use of dilation drops.
Currently studying at Canyon Vista Middle School as a seventh grader, Shruti’s passion for technology and her relentless pursuit of excellence have led her to dream of becoming a computer engineer. Through her groundbreaking app, the innovator aims to contribute to the field of medical technology, making healthcare more accessible and effective for individuals affected by Diabetic Retinopathy.
Anish Kosaraju
According to the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2021, cybersecurity failure ranks among the most critical risks of this decade. Addressing this pressing concern, Anish Kosaraju, based in San Jose, has carved a place among the finalists of the prestigious 3M Young Scientist Challenge 2023 with his groundbreaking invention. Anish Kosaraju’s innovation revolves around harnessing the power of machine learning to bolster cybersecurity measures.
His ingenious model focuses on verifying the legitimacy of login attempts, providing an added layer of protection to accounts lacking multi-factor authentication. By preventing cyber takeovers, Anish’s invention offers a proactive approach to safeguarding sensitive information from potential breaches. With aspirations set high, the innovator envisions himself as a cybersecurity expert in the future, determined to play a pivotal role in fortifying digital defenses against ever-evolving cyber threats.
