A 14-Year-Old Student Develops an AI-Based Pesticide Detector

3M and Discovery Education announced the winner of the prestigious youth science challenge "3M Young Scientist Challenge": Sirish Subash, a 9th-grade student from the Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology in Snellville, Georgia.

Sirish was awarded the title of "Best Young Scientist in America" and received a cash prize of $25,000 for his innovative project, a portable pesticide detector based on artificial intelligence (AI).

Over the past four months, Sirish competed alongside nine other finalists, all of whom are high school students, at 3M’s global facilities in St. Paul, Minnesota. There, participants faced various interactive challenges and were evaluated on criteria such as ingenuity, application of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) principles, presentation skills, and ability to inspire others.

Pestiscand: AI Technology for Sustainability

Sirish's invention, called Pestiscand, is a portable device that allows for the non-invasive detection of pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables. It employs a technique known as spectrophotometry, which measures how light of different wavelengths reflects off the surface of foods.

Using a machine learning model, the device analyzes data to identify the presence of chemical residues in food. Pestiscand, consisting of a sensor, a power source, a display, and a processor, achieved detection accuracy of over 85% in tests conducted with spinach and tomatoes.

Mentorship and Growth in STEM

Finalists in the 3M Young Scientist Challenge receive support from a scientific mentor at 3M to refine their projects.

This year, Sirish worked under the mentorship of Aditya Banerji, a research engineer in 3M's Corporate Processes Laboratory, who helped him turn his idea into a functional prototype. This guidance exemplifies 3M and Discovery Education's commitment to inspiring future generations in the field of science.

Other Notable Projects: Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable World

In addition to Sirish, other students excelled with projects focused on sustainability and environmental conservation. Minula Weerasekera from Beaverton, Oregon, took second place for developing an energy storage solution using organic compounds and sulfur derivatives, while William Tan from Scarsdale, New York, secured third place with an intelligent artificial reef that promotes coral growth and other marine species in a controlled and safe environment.

Each of these young talents was recognized for their ability to address global problems from an innovative perspective, reflecting the goal of the 3M Young Scientist Challenge to encourage creative thinking in STEM.

The Impact of 17 Years of Youth Innovation

Since its inception 17 years ago, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge has encouraged thousands of high school students to explore and develop solutions to real-world problems.

Many of the winners of this competition have gained significant visibility in the scientific and technological community, presenting their discoveries at events like TED Talks, obtaining patents, creating NGOs, and being featured in renowned media, including TIME magazine, The New York Times Magazine, and Forbes.

Additionally, in 2022, an alumni network of the 3M science challenge was established, now comprising over 100 finalists and winners from past editions, providing a platform for networking and collaboration.

Resources for STEM Education

The competition also reinforces the Young Scientist Lab program by 3M and Discovery Education, which offers free digital educational resources for students, teachers, and families, aimed at promoting exploration and innovation in science.

These resources are available on the Discovery Education Experience learning platform, geared toward K-12 students and recognized for its contribution to education.

The success of young individuals like Sirish, along with the support of organizations such as 3M and Discovery Education, showcases the potential that exists when youth are equipped with the right tools to tackle environmental and technological challenges in the future.

Source: Ecoinventos