Ahmedabad’s Mahi Bhatt becomes only student from Gujarat to crack NASA’s junior scientist test

Ahmedabad's 14-year-old Mahi Bhatt has become the only student from Gujarat to qualify for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) junior scientist programme. 

Bhatt, a resident of Vastral and Class 9 student at Sharadaba Education Campus, has achieved a remarkable feat by clearing the junior scientist examinations conducted by NASA, ISRO (IIRS Outreach Program), Euro Space Academy, and UNO Space—all within a single year. 

“Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams, who ventured into space, are my role models,” Mahi shared, “My father used to bring me science books, which sparked my curiosity and deepened my love for the subject. I have actively participated in school-level science fairs, and several of my projects were selected at zonal and city levels.”

Coming from a middle-class family, Mahi credits her teachers and school principal for their constant encouragement and support in her scientific pursuits.

Earlier this year, during the Maths and Science Exhibition organised by AMC’s English Zone schools, Mahi and her teammate developed an innovative project on Hydroponics using the Fountain Method, focused on sustainable agriculture. 

Their model demonstrated how water wastage can be prevented and reused efficiently after purification. “This project boosted my confidence and inspired me to dream bigger in the field of science,” she said.

Aspires to pursue Rocket Science

Expressing her future goals, Mahi said, “India has made remarkable progress in space research. I aspire to study Rocket Science and contribute to this field.”

She added, “I used to study 8 to 10 hours a day to prepare for these exams, and that dedication helped me achieve success. Going forward, I want to guide other students and inspire them to take an interest in science just as I did.”