Two Canyon Vista Middle School students have earned national recognition at the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, a national STEM contest for middle schoolers. Hosted by the Society for Science, the competition invites the top 10% of nationwide middle school participants from regional events.
Samvith Mahadevan and Arya Gowri Hirsave were among the 30 finalists invited to Washington, D.C., following their success at the 2024 Greater Austin Regional Science and Engineering Fair and the Texas Science and Engineering Fair.
Canyon Vista Principal Laura Terry-Brown praised their accomplishments.
“We, as their Mustang family, couldn’t be more proud of them,” she said. “Arya and Samvith embody the qualities we need in tomorrow’s leaders—kids who navigate challenges with resilience, engage in thoughtful reflection, and turn their passions into meaningful contributions for the greater good.”
Samvith won first place at GARSEF in Biomedical and Health Sciences/Biomedical Engineering with his project, Novel Application of Olfactory Sensor Arrays in the Detection of Food and Environmental Allergens, Using Artificial Intelligence. He went on to claim first place at the state contest and received an honorable mention for the Best of Physical Science Award.
Arya won first place in Biochemistry at GARSEF with her project, Effect of Various Antibiotics on Digestive Enzyme Activity. “My science project was a better way for people to know the reasons behind the side effects of taking different antibiotics. I wanted to help people better understand their own bodies and help others,” Arya explains.
Samvith said he hopes his experience inspires other students to participate in science. “The way my project can help others brings a good feeling because I’m not only helping myself but others, and it could change their lives,” Samvith states.
Round Rock ISD is proud to celebrate both Samvith and Arya’s accomplishments. Way to go!
