Maanasa Mendu, an Indian American teenager won the 2016 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge on October 18 in St. Paul, Minn.

Among 10 finalists she became the winner. Mendu (13) hails from Mason, Ohio. She created HARVEST, a bio-inspired energy device at the final event. The device works on solar and wind power to create energy. Mendu won the title of America’s Top Young Scientist and earned $25,000  as the prize.

Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge  is one of the biggest middle school science competitions in the U.S.

“Each year, the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge reminds us of the inspiring ingenuity that results when we empower our youngest generation to apply science, critical thinking, and creativity to solve real-world problems,” said Discovery Education president and chief executive Bill Goodwyn in a statement.

“Discovery Education is honored to stand alongside 3M in congratulating Maanasa and the rest of this year’s finalists on their impressive innovations that foreshadow a bright future for our nation.”

Mendu, is studying ninth class at William Mason High School in the Mason City School District.

She competed with nine other finalists at the 3M Innovation Center. When Mendu visited India, she discovered that many people lacking even the basic necessities of life such as clean water and lighting. She was decided to create a device called HARVEST.  Through her unique invention, Mendu hopes that she can provide a cost-effective energy which is globally applicable.

“Her scientific thinking reflected the competition’s goal of applying science to everyday life, creating a solution that will improve lives and strengthen communities around the globe,” Discovery Education and 3M wrote in a joint statement.

The 3M scientists gave an opportunity to all the finalists to work with them so that they can  develop their personal inventions which are a part of their summer mentor program. All the 3M scientists provided proper guidance so that they can work through the scientific method.

On the final day, all the finalists presented their completed inventions. The panel of scientists and leaders from Discovery Education and 3M were judging the finale.

The finalists were even paired up to complete their challenge. This helped them to combined multiple 3M technologies so that they can solve a real-world problem.

“Witnessing a new generation of young scientists leverage their passion and knowledge is truly inspiring,” said 3M business development and marketing-sales senior vice president Jon Lindekugel in a statement.

“We know these young scientists learn a lot from the 3M mentors they are paired with as they evolve their science innovations over three months of hard work, and the truth is, we always learn from them as well. It reminds all of us at 3M that when scientists come together, they really can change lives for the better.”

Indian American Rohan Wagh hailing from Portland, Ore, won the second prize earning a $1,000 prize along with a trip to watch a show on Discovery’s family of networks.

Wagh studied ninth class at Sunset High School in Beaverton School District. He innovated the utilization of the natural metabolism of bacteria to create energy.

Meghna Behari of Swickley, Mrinali Kesavadas,of Mahomet, Rohit Mital of Rochester Hills,  and Sara Makboul of Acworth, got into bottom five but their exact positioning was not disclosed. Each of them earned a $1,000 prize and a $500 Excitations gift card.

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BY M. DIVYA SRI