Science Dems Recognize "Top Young Scientists of the Year"
U.S. House Committee on Science Democrats today welcomed Neela Thangada, 14, winner of the 2005 Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge, to the U.S. Capitol. During today's Committee hearing on U.S. competitiveness in the fields of math and science, Neela and the program were recognized as outstanding examples of hope for the future.
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Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge winner Neela Thangada (left) and her mother, Mrudula.
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"When our students decide to pursue careers in the math, science and engineering fields, our country's economic future brightens. Students like Neela and her fellow Discovery Challenge participants are the shining stars of tomorrow. Among them may be the next Albert Einstein, Marie Curie, or Sally Ride. Learning about science and math is so much more than textbooks - it's about inspiring the next generation to heights we've yet to reach,quot; said Ranking Member Rep. Bart Gordon (D-TN), who welcomed Neela and her mother to the Science Committee Hearing.
Every year, roughly 6,000 middle school students are nominated by their science fair directors to enter projects in the Young Scientist Challenge - the only competition of its kind for students in grades five through eight. In October, 40 finalists receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, D.C., for the competition finals and a week of competitive, team-based science workshops. Finalists compete for more than $100,000 worth of scholarships and special prizes, as well as the title of America's Top Young Scientist of the Year.
"I am incredibly impressed by the intellect and scientific curiosity of Neela and all of the other Discovery Challenge finalists," said Science Committee member Congressman Brian Baird (D-WA). "We talk a lot about how critically important science and math education are. I am thrilled that Discovery sponsors this great program because it helps foster an interest in the sciences for our young people. It is kids like Neela who will be the scientific superstars of tomorrow."
"I'm especially proud to note that my home state of Tennessee produced one of this year's 40 finalists. Congratulations to Taylor Jones from Heritage Middle School in Maryville," added Rep. Gordon. "At the young age of 12, Taylor's use of a germicidal light to reduce bacteria and germs on school vending machine snacks earned him one of the competition's top spots. These kids are impressive and they are an inspiration to their peers."
"Science is something I really like. I have wanted to be a professor of medicine since age five," said challenge winner Neela. "This has been a great experience."
Neela's winning science project explored the concept of potato cloning; she set out to determine how different nutrient concentrations affected the multiple stages of growth in a potato. Neela hails from San Antonio, Texas.
Discovery created the Young Scientist Challenge in 1999 to be part of the solution to America's chronic underachievement in science and math. The competition responds to evidence that academic performance and interest in science among American students declines dramatically as students get older, particularly during the middle school years. More than 9,500 students have participated in the program since its inception.
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