Meet our 2025 Junior Scientist Awardees!
The Junior Scientist Award recognizes the top outstanding proposals from middle school teams. This year, we received a record 155 applications from contestants in 7th and 8th grade. These recipients are being recognized their creativity, thoughtful approach to space challenges, and innovative use of biotechnology tools. These remarkable young minds have truly impressed us with their dedication and ingenuity.
All awardees will receive a prize package that includes a DNA Discovery System for their educational institution, so they can put ISS biotechnology to use in their very own classrooms.
Parth Nayak (13) from Chinook Trail Middle School in Colorado Springs, CO
Topic: Effect of space travel immunological stress on COVID-19 vaccine protection
Sophia Luna (Left, 14) and Jessica Henriquez Lainez (Right, 13) from Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan in Houston, TX
Topic: Antibacterial Resistance in Staphylococcus arlettae from ISS Astronauts in Microgravity
Vivaan Shah (13) from Baker Middle School in Troy, MI
Topic: Impact of Microgravity on Orexin Expression: Understanding Sleep Disturbances in Space
Jackson Levine (14) from Arts and Letters 305 United in Brooklyn, NY
Topic: Modified Silkworm Silk Clothing as a Defense Against Radiation
Lavanya Tonge (13) from Smith Middle School in Troy, MI
Topic: Evaluating the Potential of GLP-1RA such as Semaglutide as Way to Lower Hyperglycemia in Astronauts
Congratulations to all award recipients from the Genes in Space team! We can't wait to see what you come up with next year!
