West Haven Student Named Finalist In National Science Competition

WEST HAVEN, CT — West Haven’s Snigtha Mohanraj was recently named a finalist of the 2021 3M Young Scientist Challenge.

The competition recognizes students in grades 5-8 from across the country who use scientific thinking to create an innovation that will improve lives both in their local communities, and globally.

Snigtha is a student at the Engineering and Science University Magnet School in West Haven, which is part of the New Haven Public School District. She is one of 10 finalists who will compete for a grand prize of $25,000 and the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.”

This year’s finalists and honorable mention recipients – 14 students ranging in age from 12-14 – identified an everyday problem in their community or the world and submitted a one-to two-minute video communicating the science behind their solution.

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

Snigtha discovered Ferro-Sponge, a novel way to remove microplastics and oil from contaminated water, according to a news release. Earlier this year, students like Snigtha submitted short video entries online that demonstrated their creativity and passion for science.

Throughout a summer mentorship program, Snigtha will partner with a 3M scientist to turn her concept into a reality.

Snigtha and the other finalists will compete during a final event that will take place Oct. 18-19 at the 3M Innovation Center in Minneapolis.

“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.”

Watch Snigtha’s video submission below: