In Snellville, Georgia, a remarkable 9th grader named Sirish Subash has made national headlines by winning the prestigious 3M Young Scientist Challenge.
His innovative invention, a handheld device designed to detect pesticide residues on produce, not only earned him the grand prize of $25,000 but also the coveted title of "America's Top Young Scientist."
Sirish's journey to this achievement began with a simple question born of curiosity and everyday life. His mother's constant reminders to wash fruit before eating it sparked his imagination. Was washing produce truly effective at removing harmful contaminants?
Sirish's research revealed an alarming truth: 70% of produce items contain pesticide residues, which have been linked to serious health risks such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Furthermore, washing produce only removes a portion of these residues, leaving consumers potentially exposed.
"If we could detect them, we could avoid consuming them, and reduce the risk of those health issues," Sirish reasoned. Motivated by this insight, he set out to create a tool that could empower individuals to make safer food choices.
The Invention: PestiSCAND
Sirish's creation, named PestiSCAND, employs cutting-edge spectrophotometry technology. This method measures the light reflected off the surface of fruits and vegetables. Different materials absorb and reflect unique wavelengths of light, and PestiSCAND leverages this principle to identify the specific wavelengths associated with pesticide residues.
The device works by scanning produce with a sensor, then using an AI-driven machine learning model to analyze the reflected light waves. This analysis determines whether pesticide residues are present.
During his rigorous testing, Sirish analyzed over 12,000 samples of apples, spinach, strawberries, and tomatoes. His prototype achieved an impressive detection accuracy rate of over 85%, meeting his objectives for both speed and effectiveness.
Sirish's ambitions for PestiSCAND extend far beyond the prototype stage. He envisions a commercially viable product with a target price of just $20 per device, making it affordable and accessible for households worldwide.
"If more people can easily detect pesticide residues, they can make informed choices to protect their health," Sirish said. He hopes to refine the device further and bring it to market by the time he begins college.
Sirish's journey through the 3M Young Scientist Challenge began when he was selected as one of nine finalists from across the country. As part of the competition, he spent four months working closely with a 3M scientist who mentored him one-on-one. This partnership provided invaluable guidance in perfecting his invention.
The final challenge took place at 3M's global headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota, where Sirish presented his prototype alongside the other finalists. His innovative approach and impressive results secured him the top prize, solidifying his place as a rising star in the scientific community.
"I am beyond impressed and inspired by this year's Young Scientist Challenge finalists who have demonstrated an incredible ability to develop creative solutions to some of the world's most pressing challenges," said Torie Clarke, 3M's Chief Public Affairs Officer.
Sirish's love for science is evident in his favorite subjects -- physics and engineering -- and his aspirations to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). With the $25,000 prize money, he plans to invest in his college education, taking another step toward his dream of becoming a leading innovator in his field.
Sirish's achievement has garnered significant attention, including an invitation to the New York Stock Exchange, where he rang the opening bell of trading. During an interview, he shared his inspiration, aspirations, and the challenges he overcame during the competition.
Sirish's story serves as a powerful reminder of what young minds can achieve with curiosity, determination, and support. His invention addresses a pressing global issue -- food safety -- and showcases the potential of science to improve everyday lives. As he continues to develop PestiSCAND and pursue his academic goals, Sirish Subash stands as a role model for aspiring young scientists everywhere.
With his ingenuity and drive, the future of science and innovation looks brighter than ever.
See an interview with 14-year old Sirish Subash below: