Indian-American teen Shripriya Kalbhavi has 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 microneedle patch that allows for self-automated drug delivery without pills or needles.

The first prize of $25,000 with the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist", went to Heman Bekele from Virginia for his compound-based Skin Cancer Treating Soap.

Aspiration of changing lives

Kalbhavi said in a blog post on the 3M Young Scientist Challenge website that she entered the contest because she wants to help change lives.

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

“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 peoples’ lives with my invention, BZ reaction-automated microneedle patches, by making their medication painless and more affordable," she added.

5 Indian-Americans in top 10

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

“By asking students to think creatively and apply the power of science to everyday problems, incredible solutions and leaders arise,” said John Banovetz, 3M executive vice president.

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

(Source: IANS)

-Edited for style

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