Looking ahead 15 years, ninth-grader Samarth Mahapatra hopes to be solving real-world problems as a Computational Biologist/Data Scientist.

Today, the Wheeler High School student is the first runner-up in the 2021 3M Young Scientist Challenge. The nation’s premier middle school science competition features outstanding innovations from young scientists that utilize the power of STEM to improve the world. Samarth, who applied for the competition as an eighth-grader at Dodgen Middle School, was one of only ten finalists in the nation and the only one from Georgia. His project focused on deploying edge computing and advanced vision algorithms to help people with vision impairments cook with ease. Samarth also won the Improving Lives Award at the recent competition. 

An esteemed and diverse group of judges, including 3M scientists and leaders in education from across the country, evaluated entries based on creativity, scientific knowledge, and communication effectiveness. 

“The 3M Young Scientist Challenge demonstrates the transformative power of young minds to address global challenges by combining their unique and diverse perspectives on innovation, creativity, and a passion for a better world,” said Denise Rutherford, senior vice president and chief corporate affairs officer, 3M. “The 2021 finalists, honorable mention recipients prove the efficacy of STEM thinking. We are proud of this year’s competitors and remain committed to building greater STEM-equity that unlocks the power of people, ideas, and science and imagines what’s possible.” 

The 3M Young Scientist Challenge is in its fourteenth year, inspiring and challenging middle school students to think creatively and apply the power of STEM to discovering real-world solutions. America’s Top Young Scientists have gone on to give TED Talks, file- patents, found nonprofits, make the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, ring the bell at the New York Stock Exchange, and exhibit at the White House Science Fair. 

Cobb’s young scientist has advice for his fellow students:

“Learn new skills! Apply such learning and engage your skills to solve practical problems. If you don’t apply a skill you have learned, you will lose it very soon!”