Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology 9th grader Sirish Subash has been named the winner of the 2024 3M Young Scientist Challenge, hosted by 3M and Discovery Education. Sirish earned the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist” for inventing an AI-powered handheld pesticide detector as an 8th grader at Crews Middle School. The device, called Pestiscand, uses spectrophotometry and machine learning to detect pesticide residues on produce in a non-destructive way. Sirish will receive a $25,000 cash prize as the grand prize winner.

     Gwinnett County Public Schools (GCPS) Science Director Jessica Holden expressed her pride in Sirish’s achievement. “This is one of the most significant science/STEM awards a middle school student can earn,” Holden says. “We are so incredibly proud of Sirish, the teachers who have supported him, and his project, which advanced from the Gwinnett Regional Science Fair in 2024 to these top national levels.”

     Sirish competed against nine other finalists at 3M’s global headquarters in St. Paul, Minn., from October 14-15. The finalists were judged on innovation, application of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) principles, presentation skills, and their ability to inspire others. This honor is the latest in a string of recognitions Sirish has earned over the past year.

     “We are amazed by Sirish’s innovative work and continued accomplishments in science,” Holden adds. “From winning the Pinnacle Award as the top overall project at the Georgia Science & Engineering Fair to representing GCPS on the national stage at the Thermo Fisher Junior Innovators Challenge, to earning the title of America’s Top Young Scientist from 3M, the sky is truly the limit for Sirish. His successes are a result of his incredible talent, passion, and hard work, and also speak to the high-quality teaching, learning, and engagement opportunities in GCPS.”

     Now in its 17th year, the 3M Young Scientist Challenge is the nation’s premier middle school science competition, inspiring students to tackle real-world problems using STEM. For more information about the 3M Young Scientist Challenge and to meet the 2024 finalists, visit YoungScientistLab.com.