Indian-origin teen wins second spot in America’s Young Scientist Challenge

IANS

New York, October 27

Indian-American teen Shripriya Kalbhavi won second place at the annual 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge, a premier science competition for middle school students in the US.

Kalbhavi, a ninth grader at Lynbrook High School in California, received a $2,000 prize for developing EasyBZ -- a cost-effective micro-needle patch that allows for self-automated drug delivery without pills or needles.

Kalbhavi said in a blog post on the 3M Young Scientist Challenge website that she entered the contest because she wanted to help change lives. "Scientific research and innovations have always interested me, and I find the scientists, especially doctors, all around me to be extremely inspiring because they work to help people every day," Kalbhavi, who wants to become a practising neurosurgeon, said.

"I want to gain experience and advice from a mentor to help improve people’s lives with my invention, BZ reaction-automated micro-needle patches, by making their medication painless and more affordable," she added.

She also hosts a podcast called ‘Famous Personalities’, and as part of the theme of her show, she does research about women scientists and speaks about their lives, achievements and research.

Apart from Kalbhavi, five other Indian-American teens were among the top 10 finalists and each of them received a $1,000 prize and a $500 gift card.

The first prize of $25,000 with the prestigious title of ‘America's Top Young Scientist’, went to Heman Bekele from Virginia for his compound-based skin cancer-treating soap.

“For 16 years, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge has exemplified our belief in harnessing the power of people, ideas and science to reimagine what's possible. The remarkable young innovators of this competition share our determination to help shape a brighter future.” said John Banovetz, 3M executive vice president.

“By asking students to think creatively and apply the power of science to everyday problems, incredible solutions and leaders arise.”

Each finalist in the challenge was evaluated on a series of challenges, including a presentation of their completed innovation.

America's Top Young Scientists have gone on to give TED Talks, file patents, found non-profit organisations, make it to the Forbes 30 Under-30 list, ring the bell at the New York Stock Exchange and exhibit at the White House Science Fair.

The young innovators have also been named Time magazine's first Kid of the Year, featured in The New York Times magazine, Forbes, and Business Insider. 

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