Windemere Ranch Middle Schooler Finalist In Science Competition

SAN RAMON, CA – A Windemere Ranch Middle School student who is studying a low-cost way of reducing indoor pollution has been named one of 10 finalists in this year’s 3M Young Scientist Challenge, the company, which in working in partnership with Discovery Education, recently announced.

Harsha Pillarisetti will complete against nine other students from around the United States for a $25,000 prize and the title of America’s Top Young Scientist. The competition recognizes students in grades 5-8 who use scientific thinking to create an innovation that will improve life, not only in their local communities but also globally.

Harsha created a leaf-like structure that is used inside the home to reduce air pollution and submitted a video presentation that demonstrates their passion and creativity when it comes to science.

As part of a mentorship program, the San Ramon youth will be paired with a 3M scientist and together, and will be given $1,000 to help turn the concept into reality. The 10 finalists will compete in a virtual competition in October to determine who will capture the cash prize the top young scientist title.

The company announced that this year’s finalists are six girls and four boys ages 12-14 and that the competition will be judged by 3M scientists and education leaders from around the country.

“Inspirational moments of community are all around us and the need for action is clearly strong -- now more than ever, we are looking to the next generation to help improve the world we live in, and the 3M Young Scientist Challenge is a great platform for them to express what and how they want to see change,” Denise Rutherford, senior vice president of Corporate Affairs at 3M said in a news release.

“The 2020 finalists and state merit winners prove once again that young minds can combine STEM skills with imagination and creativity to identify and solve a real-world problem using science. They will undoubtedly build on their knowledge and experience with science to impact the future, and that is something for us all to embrace. We are proud of this year’s competitors and remain committed to supporting STEM-for-all and building a path to a better life for everyone.”

Harsha is one of two California residents to be named among the finalists along with San Diego resident Kyle Tianishi of the Cambridge School.