New York : In a remarkable achievement, Indian-American teenager Shripriya Kalbhavi, a ninth-grader at Lynbrook High School in California, clinched second place at the prestigious 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge in the United States. This renowned science competition is designed for middle school students across the country, offering a platform for young innovators to showcase their talents.
Shripriya Kalbhavi’s groundbreaking project, EasyBZ, earned her a well-deserved $2,000 prize. EasyBZ is a cost-effective microneedle patch that revolutionizes drug delivery, offering a self-automated solution that eliminates the need for pills or needles.
The coveted first prize of $25,000, along with the distinguished title of “America’s Top Young Scientist,” was awarded to Heman Bekele from Virginia for his remarkable work on a compound-based Skin Cancer Treating Soap.
In a blog post on the 3M Young Scientist Challenge website, Shripriya Kalbhavi revealed her motivation to participate in the competition, expressing her desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives. In addition to her scientific pursuits, Kalbhavi hosts a podcast called “Famous Personalities.” Her show centers on women scientists, offering insights into their lives, accomplishments, and research.
Shripriya shared her admiration for scientists, particularly doctors, and her aspiration to become a practicing neurosurgeon. She aims to gain experience and guidance from a mentor to enhance people’s lives through her invention, the BZ reaction-automated microneedle patches. Her innovation promises to make medication administration painless and more affordable.
Notably, Shripriya Kalbhavi was not the only Indian-American finalist at the challenge. Five other Indian-American teens secured positions among the top ten finalists, each receiving a $1,000 prize and a $500 gift card.
John Banovetz, 3M executive vice president, commended the spirit of innovation demonstrated by these young scientists. Over the years, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge has continued to encourage creativity, the application of scientific principles to real-world problems, and the emergence of exceptional solutions and leaders.
The challenge’s finalists underwent rigorous evaluations, including presentations of their completed innovations. Many past America’s Top Young Scientists have gone on to achieve remarkable success, from giving TED Talks to filing patents, founding nonprofits, and even being featured in renowned publications.
The 3M Young Scientist Challenge highlights the potential of young innovators and their ability to shape a brighter future through the power of science and inventive thinking.
