Two Round Rock ISD middle school students have been recognized among the nation’s brightest young scientists, earning top honors at the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC) — the premier national science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) competition for middle schoolers.
For the first time, the Greater Austin Regional Science and Engineering Fair (GARSEF) saw four projects advance to the JIC finals, with three placing among the top 10 nationwide. Among those finalists were Canyon Vista Middle School students Arya H. and Pranshi M., who represented Round Rock ISD with distinction.
“I felt really honored and very excited to be able even to have this chance for a second time,” said Arya. “The last time I went to D.C. I was more shy and quieter. This time, I was more confident, collaborative, and energetic to help solve problems. It was just a really good experience because it helped me grow.”
Arya H. earned recognition for her project, “Micro‘fat’ories: Increasing microalgal biomass and lipids for biofuel production.” Her research explored how specific salt and vitamin treatments can increase both the growth and fuel content of algae, a promising renewable energy source. Arya’s work earned first place in the Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design category at both GARSEF and the Texas Science and Engineering Fair (TXSEF). This is Arya’s second consecutive year being named a JIC finalist.
Pranshi M. was honored for her project, “Machine Learning-Mediated Computational Modeling of FK506-Binding Protein 12 (FKBP12)-Enhanced CAR T-Cell Therapy for Targeted Glioblastoma Treatment.” Her research used artificial intelligence and computational modeling to improve treatment approaches for glioblastoma, a highly aggressive form of brain cancer. Pranshi’s work earned first place in Biomedical and Health Sciences at GARSEF and third place at TXSEF. She went on to win the First Place Science Award at the national level.
Her research was inspired by a personal connection.
“I started looking into new and more successful treatment methods for treating brain cancer after watching my friend’s mom come back from various treatment methods that didn’t work. That’s how I came across CAR T-cell therapy,” said Pranshi.
First-place winners at the Thermo Fisher JIC received $3,500 to support participation in a STEM summer camp of their choice.
“I was really thankful to win an award at the end. I was really grateful to just be there,” said Pranshi. “It was super humbling and such a great experience. All of the fun I had along the way has made me even more excited to pursue research in the future and continue exploring and asking questions.”
More than 2,000 students nationwide applied to the Thermo Fisher JIC this year, representing the top 10% of middle school competitors from regional science fairs. Only 30 finalists were selected.
Looking towards the future, Round Rock ISD students are already preparing for next year’s Greater Austin Regional Science and Engineering Fair, set for February 19–21, 2026, at the Palmer Events Center in Austin.