Wednesday, April 23, 2025
50.6 F
Roseville

Rocklin student to compete for America’s Top Young Scientist

Ten Young Inventors Compete for $25,000 and the Title of ‘America’s Top Young Scientist’ in Nation’s Premier Science Competition

Silver Spring, Md. and St. Paul, Minn. – From alternative energy to sustainable agriculture to medical advancements, today’s scientific young minds work hard to solve today’s biggest challenges – making materials safer, solutions more efficient, and innovations more accessible. Today, Discovery Education (@DiscoveryEd) and 3M (@3M) announced 10 finalists from across America as part of its Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge, which is celebrating its landmark 10th anniversary (#YoungScientist). The annual premier competition recognizes scientific thinking and imagination in students grades 5-8 who dream up a solution to an everyday problem that ultimately could reshape and improve the way we live our lives.
 
These young thinkers submitted short videos that communicate the science behind a possible solution to an everyday problem. Ten rose to the top of the competition and were selected over hundreds of others.  These young ladies and gentlemen were selected based on their science acumen, innovative thinking and exceptional communication skills as demonstrated in their entry videos.

The finalists   ̶  six girls and four boys, ranging in age from 11-14  ̶  include those from public schools all across the nation.

The 10 Finalists

(in alphabetical order)*:
* Laalitya Acharya, Mason, Ohio, Mason Middle School, Mason City School District
* Karina Andersen, Rocklin, Calif., Granite Oaks Middle School, Rocklin Unified School District
*  Anika Bhagavatula, Wilton, Conn., Wilton Public School District, Wilton Public School District
* Austin Crouchley, Garden City, N.Y., Garden City Middle School, Garden City School District
* Rithvik Ganesh, Plano, Texas, C.M. Rice Middle School, Plano Independent School District
* Simone Jacobs, Seattle, Wash., Washington Middle School, Seattle School District 1
* Gitanjali Rao, Brentwood, Tenn., Brentwood Middle School, Williamson County School District
* Samu Shrestha, Highlands Ranch, Colo., Cresthill Middle School, Douglas County School District Re-1
* Allie Weber, Sioux Falls, S.D., Edison Middle School, Sioux Falls School District 49-5
* Devin Willis, Boca Raton, Fla., A.D. Henderson University School, Florida Atlantic University Schools
 
Each finalist will have the opportunity to work one-on-one with a 3M scientist during a summer mentorship program that will challenge their curious minds to develop an innovative idea that positively impacts them, their family, their community or the global population. Students meet virtually with their mentors, who provide guidance from the student’s concept to actual prototype. 3M is a company rooted in scientific exploration, and the belief that every problem has a solution. These practices set the stage for students’ complete experience of the scientific process in which the original idea may evolve. Throughout the program, each student will have access to resources and support provided by 3M and Discovery Education.
 
All 10 finalists receive $1,000 and a trip to 3M Headquarters in St. Paul, Minn., to participate in the final competition at the 3M Innovation Center on Oct. 16 and 17. There, they will be evaluated on a series of challenges, including a presentation of their completed innovation. Each challenge will be scored independently by a panel of judges. The winner will receive $25,000, a trip to watch the taping of a Discovery Network show, and the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.”
 
“At 3M, we have thrived for 115 years not just by adapting to the future, but by shaping it,” said Jon Lindekugel, Senior Vice President, Business Development and Marketing-Sales, 3M. “These young scientists – with their thirst for discovery and their determination to make the world a better place – are that future, and it’s our privilege to support them on their way.”
 
“Each year, Discovery Education proudly joins with 3M to support their commitment to fostering the next generation of passionate innovators,” said Lori McFarling, SVP of Discovery Education. “The Young Scientist Challenge brings science to life for young people and helps develop the communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills today’s students need for success beyond the classroom.”
 
Over the past ten years, the Young Scientist Challenge has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in student scholarships and prizes, paired students with world-renowned scientists to give them real-world insights and delivered much-needed science resources to millions of students, teachers and families across the country. It targets students in the years when research indicates their interest in science begins to wane and encourages them to explore scientific concepts and creatively communicate their findings. Winners have gone on to be featured in Forbes magazine’s annual “30 Under 30” list, speak in front of members of Congress and attendees at the United Nations, meet the President of the United States, and demonstrate inventions on national news programs such as ABC World News Tonight, Fox & Friends, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
 
For more information on the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge, including photos and bios of the 10 finalists and a list of the 35 state merit winners, please visit www.youngscientistlab.com/challenge.



Coming Up!

Coming Up!

Trending

Crooked Lane Brewing announces plans for Roseville area taproom

Crooked Lane is the premier sponsor of Iron Rose FC, a professional men's and women's soccer team based in Roseville. The new taproom will be strategically located to serve as a gathering place for fans to celebrate and connect over great beer.

Q1227 Restaurant in Roseville

Q1227 Restaurant in Roseville

Fresenius Kidney Care in Roseville

Fresenius Kidney Care Roseville Home dialysis center in Roseville, California.

Roseville Coalition of Neighborhood Associations Community Recognition Event this Friday

Roseville, Calif. - The Roseville Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (RCONA) is proud to host nearly 200 attendees for its First Annual Community Recognition Event - "Sweet Celebrations: Honoring Roseville's Community"

7 ways to reduce your asthma and allergies

Here are 7 ways to reduce your asthma and allergies. Practical tips to reduce sensitivities. Juli Mazi, Functional Medicine Practitioner in Sacramento.

Topics

Crooked Lane Brewing announces plans for Roseville area taproom

Crooked Lane is the premier sponsor of Iron Rose FC, a professional men's and women's soccer team based in Roseville. The new taproom will be strategically located to serve as a gathering place for fans to celebrate and connect over great beer.

Fresenius Kidney Care in Roseville

Fresenius Kidney Care Roseville Home dialysis center in Roseville, California.

Roseville Coalition of Neighborhood Associations Community Recognition Event this Friday

Roseville, Calif. - The Roseville Coalition of Neighborhood Associations (RCONA) is proud to host nearly 200 attendees for its First Annual Community Recognition Event - "Sweet Celebrations: Honoring Roseville's Community"

7 ways to reduce your asthma and allergies

Here are 7 ways to reduce your asthma and allergies. Practical tips to reduce sensitivities. Juli Mazi, Functional Medicine Practitioner in Sacramento.

Placer SPCA warning: Scam calls impersonating shelter staff

Roseville, Calif. - Placer SPCA is alerting the community to a recent phone scam involving individuals falsely claiming to represent the organization. Several residents have reported receiving fraudulent calls

Will new Toyota Crown Signia SUV be embraced?

Roseville, Calif.- Toyota loves its sport utility vehicles. It offers eight different SUVs, and that's not counting all four versions of both the RAV4 and Highlander.

Placer County moves forward with 5-year capital improvement plan

Auburn, Calif. - The Placer County Board of Supervisors recently took action to approve the Countywide Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan, outlining the funding status of 76 projects slated to be constructed by 2030.

Related Articles

Local Spotlight

California Fence and Patio serving Placer County for over 30 years

Loomis, Calif. - California Fence & Patio is proud of their reputation as the premier fencing and patio cover contractor in the Roseville,, Sacramento and Placer County region.

Making a Splash in Roseville at Steve Wallen Swim School

Roseville, Calif. - Steve Wallen Swim School in Roseville teaches swim lessons and water safety for infants, kids, and adults of all skill levels.

California Recovery Center in Roseville offers treatment for substance abuse and mental health

California Recovery Center (CRC) is a treatment provider for adults with substance abuse and mental health condition, located in Roseville and serving the greater Sacramento region.