Science Whiz Wins $25,000 Competition

Deepika Kurup, 14, a student at Nashua High School South, was named winner of the 2012 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge for her innovative, cost effective and sustainable water-purification system.

Her prototype, which harnesses solar energy to disinfect contaminated water, can help improve the lives of the 1.1 billion people around the world who lack access to clean drinking water.

Deepika, a ninth grader, competed alongside nine other finalists on Oct. 16 during a live competition at the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minn. She was awarded the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist,” $25,000 and a trip from Discovery Student Adventures.

She was an eighth-grader at Fairgrounds Elementary when she entered the competition.

During the past three months, Deepika –  and the other finalists – had the exclusive opportunity to work directly with a 3M scientist as they created their personal innovations as part of a summer mentorship program. Deepika worked mentor, Jim Jonza, who provided guidance to the finalists as they developed their ideas from a theoretical concept into an actual prototype that would help solve a problem in everyday life.

At the final competition, the finalists shared their completed innovations with a panel of judges, including Danny Forster of SCIENCE’s Build it Bigger. In addition to presenting their prototypes, the 10 finalists competed in two additional challenges in which they were asked to: 1) combine multiple 3M technologies to yield new solutions;and 2) build a machine designed to turn on a light bulb using science and engineering principles. Finalists were evaluated on their scientific knowledge, creativity and use of 3M technology.

Deepika is the daughter of Meena and Pradeep Kurup of Nashua.

About the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge

The Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge 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. In January, students nationwide were asked to create a short video describing a new innovation or solution that could solve or impact an everyday problem related to the way we move, keep ourselves healthy or make a difference. In addition to the 10 finalists, 42 students were selected as state merit winners in this year's competition and will each receive a 3M Innovation Prize Package. For more information go to www.youngscientistchallenge.com.