Rochester Hills Student ‘America’s Top Young Scientist’ Finalist

Rochester Hills, MI — A Rochester Hills middle school student is among 10 finalists for a $25,000 prize and the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist” in the 2016 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge.

Rohit Mital, of Rochester Hills, a student at Rochester Community Schools’ West Middle School, advanced in the competition with his design for an optimized diesel particulate filter to curb emissions his research showed caused 270,000 premature deaths in 2013.

Other innovative young students worked on biodegradable plastic, a low-cost CPR monitor, safe energy storing devices, an efficient water quality and other solutions to tomorrow’s challenges, according to a news release.

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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 the way we live our lives.

After submitting a short video communicating the science behind a possible solution to an everyday problem, these young scientists rose to the top of the competition and were selected over hundreds of others, due to their science acumen, innovative thinking and exceptional communication skills demonstrated in their entry videos. The finalists — six girls and four boys, ranging in age from 12-14 — include those from public, private and home schools, from locations all across the nation.

Students meet virtually with their mentors, who provide guidance from the student's concept to actual prototype — allowing for a complete experience in 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 are awarded a trip to 3M Headquarters in St. Paul, MN, to participate in the final competition at the 3M Innovation Center on Oct. 17 and 18, where 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 know the importance of encouraging 'next-gen' scientific thinkers, who will invent new ways to solve the issues our customers face every day — from keeping workers safe on the job to addressing global issues like access to clean water,"Jon Lindekugel, senior vice president for business development and marketing-ales at 3M, said in a news release.

“Through 3M's summer mentorship with the finalists, we're excited to hear their fresh ideas and to provide guidance through the scientific process as their projects move from concept to reality,” he said.

"Discovery Education is proud to partner with 3M to support their commitment to fostering the next generation of science innovators," said

Bill Goodwyn, president and CEO of Discovery Education, said the partnership encourages the next generation of science innovators.

“The Young Scientist Challenge brings the magic of science to life for young people everywhere — enhancing science exploration nationwide, and helping to develop the communication, critical thinking, and problem solving skills today's students need for success beyond the classroom,” he said.

Since its inception in 2008, 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.

The other finalists are:

• Meghna Behari, Sewickley, PA, Marshall Middle School, (North Allegheny School District)
• Amelia Day, Sumner, WA, Lakeridge Middle School (Sumner School District)
• Mrinali Kesavadas, Mahomet, IL, Mahomet-Seymour Jr. High School (Mahomet-Seymour School District)
• Sara Makboul, Acworth, GA, Palmer Middle School (Cobb County School District)
• Maanasa Mendu, Mason, OH, Mason Middle School (Mason City School District)
• Will Paschal, Madison, GA, Morgan County Middle School (Morgan County School District)
• Sofia Tomov, Knoxville, TN, Homeschooled
• Rohan Wagh, Portland, OR, Stoller Middle School (Beaverton School District)
• Kaien Yang, Chantilly, VA, Nysmith School for the Gifte