2024 3M Young Scientists Challenge: Inspiring Innovations by Future STEM Leaders
The journey to becoming a scientist often begins with a moment of curiosity—observing something and pondering its workings and reasons. Science flourishes when driven by genuine inquisitiveness and a commitment to problem-solving, traits clearly demonstrated by the finalists of the 2024 3M Young Scientists Challenge.
Since 2008, 3M and Discovery Education have collaborated to support the development of future scientists through this Challenge. They have awarded substantial scholarships, paired students with esteemed scientists for valuable real-world experience, and provided essential resources to millions of students, educators, and families.
As we approach the announcement of America’s Top Young Scientist on Tuesday, October 15, 3M is showcasing four former Challenge participants who continue to pursue scientific endeavors and address global issues.
Innovative cancer treatment
Heman Bekele from Fairfax, Virginia, is the reigning America’s Top Young Scientist, having won the title in 2023. Following his victory, Bekele has filed for a U.S. patent, collaborated with a Johns Hopkins University professor on clinical trials, participated in national media interviews, and completed his freshman year of high school. His groundbreaking invention is a unique bar of soap designed to treat skin cancer, utilizing lipid nanoparticles that stimulate the body’s immune response. Dubbed Skin Cancer Treating Soap (SCTS), his idea was inspired by the sun's powerful effects in his native Ethiopia, where he lived until he was four.
Since his win at the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, Bekele has earned accolades such as TIME’s 2024 Kid of the Year, a nomination for the IPO Education Foundation’s Inspiration Award, and recognition at the Miami-Dade College STEAM Expo. He has also presented at the annual Congress of Future Medical Leaders and spoken at a White House Power Up event. While he remains focused on his education, Bekele aspires to establish a nonprofit organization by 2028 aimed at expanding access to skin cancer treatments. He intends to allocate a significant portion of his Challenge prize money to further develop his soap invention, while also saving some for college, where he plans to study electrical engineering.
Using AI for wildfire prediction
In 2019, Reshma Kosaraju from Saratoga, California, was a finalist in the Young Scientist Challenge for her development of a predictive model that employs machine learning and neural networks to forecast forest fires with nearly 90% accuracy. She recalls wearing a mask at school during the 2018 Camp Fire, the most destructive wildfire in California's history, which burned more than 200 miles away. “I realized that if I could pull this off, the results could be quite impactful in terms of how many lives we can save and how much we can help the environment,” she shared with TIME for Kids.
According to the National Interagency Coordination Center, over 39,000 wildfires have occurred in 2024, scorching more than 1.3 billion acres. Major fires not only devastate communities but also produce smoke that can travel vast distances, posing health risks to those affected. Being able to predict potential fire outbreaks can help evacuate people and guide firefighters to critical areas for early intervention.
Following her success, Kosaraju participated in a panel discussion at the 2022 NASA imaginAviation event. She graduated from high school in spring 2024 and is now part of MIT's class of 2028, pursuing studies in computer science and brain and cognitive sciences.
Purpose-driven app development
Gitanjali Rao, the winner in 2017, is currently a sophomore at MIT. Her Challenge project involved creating a mobile app called “Tethys,” which utilizes Bluetooth technology to accelerate lead detection in water. This is just one aspect of her passion for science; she later developed “Kindly,” an AI-based app designed to combat cyberbullying on social media, and “Epione,” which aims to expedite the diagnosis of prescription opioid addiction.
Since winning the 3M competition, Rao has garnered numerous accolades typically associated with far more experienced individuals. She was named TIME’s Kid of the Year in 2020, honored at a “Girls Leading Change” event at the White House, included in Forbes 30 Under 30, received the Muhammed Ali Humanitarian Award, and has become a UNICEF Youth Advocate. Like Bekele, she presented at the Congress of Future Medical Leaders and has been featured on PBS and Good Morning America.
An enthusiastic advocate for STEM education in schools, clubs, and communities globally, Gitanjali aims to inspire a movement among teens to drive positive change. Her story was highlighted in "Not the Science Type," a four-part docuseries addressing stereotypes and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM fields.
From young scientist to CEO
Nearly ten years have passed since Hannah Herbst claimed the grand prize in the 2015 Young Scientist Challenge for her innovative Ocean Energy Probe, which provides stable energy and fresh water to developing nations. After studying at Florida Atlantic University, she worked on developing a reusable, antibacterial bandage for post-operative patients that utilized the unique properties of shark skin.
Now a college graduate, Herbst is the founder and CEO of Golden Hour Medical, which offers innovative devices that bystanders can use to control blood loss in emergencies. She developed the company’s flagship product, the Auto TQ tourniquet, in partnership with 2017 Young Scientist Challenge finalist Devin Willis. Like Rao, Herbst has been recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 and has spoken at prestigious events including the United Nations and the USA Science and Engineering Festival. She has also been featured in Business Insider and on Good Morning America.
The future of STEM talent
3M will continue to support these exceptional young minds as they advance in their scientific pursuits. While each individual forges their own unique path, they are united by a shared passion for science that began early in their lives and an understanding of the vital role a STEM education plays in achieving success.
Since 2008, 3M and Discovery Education have collaborated to support the development of future scientists through this Challenge. They have awarded substantial scholarships, paired students with esteemed scientists for valuable real-world experience, and provided essential resources to millions of students, educators, and families.
As we approach the announcement of America’s Top Young Scientist on Tuesday, October 15, 3M is showcasing four former Challenge participants who continue to pursue scientific endeavors and address global issues.
Innovative cancer treatment
Heman Bekele from Fairfax, Virginia, is the reigning America’s Top Young Scientist, having won the title in 2023. Following his victory, Bekele has filed for a U.S. patent, collaborated with a Johns Hopkins University professor on clinical trials, participated in national media interviews, and completed his freshman year of high school. His groundbreaking invention is a unique bar of soap designed to treat skin cancer, utilizing lipid nanoparticles that stimulate the body’s immune response. Dubbed Skin Cancer Treating Soap (SCTS), his idea was inspired by the sun's powerful effects in his native Ethiopia, where he lived until he was four.
Since his win at the 3M Young Scientist Challenge, Bekele has earned accolades such as TIME’s 2024 Kid of the Year, a nomination for the IPO Education Foundation’s Inspiration Award, and recognition at the Miami-Dade College STEAM Expo. He has also presented at the annual Congress of Future Medical Leaders and spoken at a White House Power Up event. While he remains focused on his education, Bekele aspires to establish a nonprofit organization by 2028 aimed at expanding access to skin cancer treatments. He intends to allocate a significant portion of his Challenge prize money to further develop his soap invention, while also saving some for college, where he plans to study electrical engineering.
Using AI for wildfire prediction
In 2019, Reshma Kosaraju from Saratoga, California, was a finalist in the Young Scientist Challenge for her development of a predictive model that employs machine learning and neural networks to forecast forest fires with nearly 90% accuracy. She recalls wearing a mask at school during the 2018 Camp Fire, the most destructive wildfire in California's history, which burned more than 200 miles away. “I realized that if I could pull this off, the results could be quite impactful in terms of how many lives we can save and how much we can help the environment,” she shared with TIME for Kids.
According to the National Interagency Coordination Center, over 39,000 wildfires have occurred in 2024, scorching more than 1.3 billion acres. Major fires not only devastate communities but also produce smoke that can travel vast distances, posing health risks to those affected. Being able to predict potential fire outbreaks can help evacuate people and guide firefighters to critical areas for early intervention.
Following her success, Kosaraju participated in a panel discussion at the 2022 NASA imaginAviation event. She graduated from high school in spring 2024 and is now part of MIT's class of 2028, pursuing studies in computer science and brain and cognitive sciences.
Purpose-driven app development
Gitanjali Rao, the winner in 2017, is currently a sophomore at MIT. Her Challenge project involved creating a mobile app called “Tethys,” which utilizes Bluetooth technology to accelerate lead detection in water. This is just one aspect of her passion for science; she later developed “Kindly,” an AI-based app designed to combat cyberbullying on social media, and “Epione,” which aims to expedite the diagnosis of prescription opioid addiction.
Since winning the 3M competition, Rao has garnered numerous accolades typically associated with far more experienced individuals. She was named TIME’s Kid of the Year in 2020, honored at a “Girls Leading Change” event at the White House, included in Forbes 30 Under 30, received the Muhammed Ali Humanitarian Award, and has become a UNICEF Youth Advocate. Like Bekele, she presented at the Congress of Future Medical Leaders and has been featured on PBS and Good Morning America.
An enthusiastic advocate for STEM education in schools, clubs, and communities globally, Gitanjali aims to inspire a movement among teens to drive positive change. Her story was highlighted in "Not the Science Type," a four-part docuseries addressing stereotypes and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM fields.
From young scientist to CEO
Nearly ten years have passed since Hannah Herbst claimed the grand prize in the 2015 Young Scientist Challenge for her innovative Ocean Energy Probe, which provides stable energy and fresh water to developing nations. After studying at Florida Atlantic University, she worked on developing a reusable, antibacterial bandage for post-operative patients that utilized the unique properties of shark skin.
Now a college graduate, Herbst is the founder and CEO of Golden Hour Medical, which offers innovative devices that bystanders can use to control blood loss in emergencies. She developed the company’s flagship product, the Auto TQ tourniquet, in partnership with 2017 Young Scientist Challenge finalist Devin Willis. Like Rao, Herbst has been recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 and has spoken at prestigious events including the United Nations and the USA Science and Engineering Festival. She has also been featured in Business Insider and on Good Morning America.
The future of STEM talent
3M will continue to support these exceptional young minds as they advance in their scientific pursuits. While each individual forges their own unique path, they are united by a shared passion for science that began early in their lives and an understanding of the vital role a STEM education plays in achieving success.
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