Middle School Student Named Finalist In Young Scientist Challenge

SANTA MONICA, CA – A middle school student from Santa Monica has been named a finalist in the nationwide Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge. This competition recognizes students in grades 6-8 who exude curiosity in the scientific process and inspire peers to solve the biggest challenges of the present and future.

Theodore Jiang, a Paul Revere Middle School student, is one of 10 finalists to submit a short videos that describes a new invention or idea that could solve or impact an everyday problem. Jiang created a smartphone case that harvests energy from finger taps on the screen to charge the phone’s battery. He said he entered the competition because he wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to learn.

"Throughout the whole process of researching and creating my invention, I learned a lot," he said. "I hope to learn even more from a 3M mentor."

Judges selected the finalists for their "exceptional science acumen, spirit of innovation and ingenuity, and effective communication skills demonstrated in their entry videos," the press release said. The finalists, which include seven boys and three girls ranging in ages from 12-14, go to public and private schools all across the nation.

Finalists will work one-on-one with 3M scientists during a summer mentorship program to develop their ideas into a working solution that has potential to positively impact their family, community or the global population, according to the press release. Students will meet virtually with their mentors, who will provide guidance from concept to prototype. Throughout the program, each student will have access to resources and support provided by 3M and Discovery Education, the press release said.

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 in October. A panel of judges will evaluate finalists on a series of challenges, including a presentation of their completed innovation, according to the press release. Judges will score each challenge independently. 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,” according to the press release

The 10 Finalists (in alphabetical order by last name)*:

1. Mehaa Amirthalingam, Sugar Land, Tex. , Sartartia Middle School, Fort Bend Independent School District
2. Sriram Bhimaraju, Cupertino, Calif., Harker Middle School, Private
3. Anna Du, Andover, Mass., Andover School of Montessori
4. Julia Gelfond, Chevy Chase, Md., Silver Creek Middle School, Montgomery County Public Schools
5. Zachary Hessler, Vero Beach, Fla., Gifford Middle School, School District of Indian River County
6. Rishab Jain, Portland, Ore., Stoller Middle School, Beaverton School District
7. Theodore Jiang, Santa Monica, Calif., Paul Revere Middle School, Los Angeles Unified School District Local District-Northeast
8. Cameron Sharma, Glen Allen, Va. , George H. Moody Middle School, Henrico County School District
9. Krish Wadhwani, Alpharetta, Ga., DeSana Middle School, Forsyth County School District
10. Leo Wylonis, Berwyn, Pa., Tredyffrin-Easttown Middle School, Tredyffrin-Easttown School District

For more information on the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge, including photos and bios of the 10 finalists and a list of the 34 state merit winners, visit www.youngscientistlab.com/challenge.

Main image via YouTube screengrab