Five Indian American middle school students have been selected among the 10 national finalists in the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge, one of the country’s leading science competitions for students in grades five through eight.
The finalists are Aaisha Asif of Sarasota, Florida; Raji Doshi of Farmington, Connecticut; Arika Kundu of Shorewood, Minnesota; Sharvi Mahajan of San Diego, California; and Naboshree Santra of Oviedo, Florida. They were selected for projects addressing environmental sustainability, food safety, transportation safety and climate resilience.
Asif, a sixth grader at Pine View School, is developing an eco-friendly adhesive inspired by the natural proteins mussels use to attach themselves to surfaces. Her project seeks to create strong bonds while reducing pollution associated with conventional adhesives.
Doshi, a seventh grader at Talcott Mountain Academy, designed a system using algae and natural calcium-based materials to reduce ocean acidification. The project is intended to improve marine health by addressing changes in ocean chemistry caused by rising carbon dioxide levels.
Kundu, a seventh grader at Minnetonka Middle School East, developed LIGNEX, a method that uses agricultural waste materials such as peanut shells to remove pesticide residue from fresh produce. The project combines material science with widely available natural resources to improve food safety.
Mahajan, an eighth grader at Bernardo Heights Middle School, created NeuroDrive Alert, an electroencephalogram-based machine learning system that predicts fatigue and microsleep. The technology is designed to improve safety for drivers and people working in other high-risk environments.
Santra, a sixth grader at Jackson Heights Middle School, developed biodegradable soil-shade balls that reduce water evaporation and help soil retain moisture. Her project could provide farmers with a practical tool for managing drought conditions and reducing agricultural water use.
Each finalist will receive one-on-one mentorship from a 3M scientist during the summer to develop the project from an initial concept into a more complete prototype. The students will then travel to the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, for the final competition on October 12 and 13.
During the national event, finalists will complete live science, technology, engineering and mathematics challenges and present their projects to a panel of judges. The winner will receive $25,000 and the title of America’s Top Young Scientist.
The five students’ projects stand out because they focus on identifiable problems rather than abstract scientific concepts. Their proposed solutions address pollution, ocean health, pesticide exposure, driver fatigue and drought – challenges that affect communities across the United States and globally.
Their selection also highlights the continued presence of Indian American students in national science and innovation programs. The recognition provides the students with access to professional mentorship, technical feedback and a national platform at an early stage in their education.
Key Takeaways About the Five Finalists
- Aaisha Asif is developing a mussel-inspired, environmentally friendly adhesive.
- Raji Doshi created a system designed to reduce ocean acidification.
- Arika Kundu developed a method for removing pesticides from produce using agricultural waste.
- Sharvi Mahajan designed a machine learning system that predicts fatigue and microsleep.
- Naboshree Santra created biodegradable materials that help soil retain water during drought.
