3M and Discovery Education announced the top 10 finalists for the 2024 3M Young Scientist Challenge, including a student from Frisco ISD.
This prestigious competition, recognized as the nation's leading science contest for middle school students, invites students in grades 5-8 to compete for an exclusive mentorship with a 3M scientist, a $25,000 grand prize and the title of "America's Top Young Scientist."
"For 17 years, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge has brought together some of the world's brightest young minds to reimagine what's possible,” said Torie Clarke, executive vice president and chief public affairs officer at 3M, in an official statement. “Each of the remarkable students exemplifies how science and innovation make the world a better place for all.”
This year's finalists, 10 students aged 13-15, identified everyday problems in their community or the world and submitted one- to two-minute videos explaining the science behind their proposed solutions. The 2024 3M Young Scientist Challenge introduced new entry categories, including robotics, home improvement, automotive, safety, AR/VR and climate technology, offering innovative ways for students to engage in science.
The top 10 2024 3M Young Scientist Challenge finalists are as follows:
- Ankan Das, Sanford, Florida, Sanford Middle School, Seminole County School District
- Steven Goodman, Longwood, Florida, Milwee Middle School, Seminole County School District
- Aakash Manaswi, Orlando, Florida, Lake Highland Preparatory School, Orange County School District
- Prince Nallamothula, Frisco, Texas, Lawler Middle School, Frisco ISD
- Ronita Shukla, Acton, Massachusetts, RJ Grey Junior High School, Acton Boxborough Regional School District
- Sirish Subash, Lawrenceville, Georgia, Alton C. Crews Middle School, Gwinnett County Public School District
- Rithvik Suren, Windsor, Connecticut, Academy of Aerospace & Engineering, CREC School District
- Hanna Suzuki, Bedford, Massachusetts, John Glenn Middle School, Bedford School District
- William Tan, Scarsdale, New York, Scarsdale Middle School, Scarsdale School District
- Minula Weerasekera, Beaverton, Oregon, Whitford Middle School, Beaverton School District
A distinguished and diverse panel of judges, including 3M scientists and education leaders from across the country, evaluated entries based on creativity, scientific knowledge and communication effectiveness. The competition's culminating event, where America's Top Young Scientist will be named, takes place on Oct. 14-15, 2024, at the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.
"We are delighted to celebrate these young innovators and honor them for this achievement,” said Amy Nakamoto, executive vice president of social impact at Discovery Education. “The 3M Young Scientist Challenge nurtures student curiosity and showcases the scientific acumen of all participants. We cannot wait to see these ideas come to life in the coming months!"
America's Top Young Scientists have achieved remarkable success, including giving TED Talks, filing patents, founding nonprofits, making the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and exhibiting at the White House Science Fair. These young innovators have also been named TIME Magazine's first Kid of the Year, featured in The New York Times Magazine, Forbes, Business Insider and appeared on national television programs such as Good Morning America and The Kelly Clarkson Show.
To learn more about the 3M Young Scientist Challenge and meet the 2024 finalists, visit YoungScientistLab.com.
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