Raji Doshi Wins 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge for Algae Project

On October 14, 2026, 13-year-old Raji Doshi from Farmington, Connecticut, was named the winner of the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge. Recognized as a leading middle school science competition in the United States, the event awarded Doshi, a student at Stanford Online High School, a $25,000 prize and the title of America's Top Young Scientist. Her winning project was titled Engineering a Novel Durable Algae-Aragonite Alkalinity System to Reduce CO2-Driven Ocean Acidification.

The research focuses on ocean acidification, a condition caused when the sea absorbs atmospheric carbon dioxide. This process increases the acidity of the water, which can harm marine ecosystems and organisms with shells. Doshi’s project addresses the issue by combining macroalgae cultivation with aragonite, a natural form of calcium carbonate that helps buffer seawater. Using carbonate chemistry analysis, she demonstrated that the system increases algae biomass and lowers the levels of dissolved carbon dioxide.

To move her research toward practical use for coastal communities, Doshi developed a computational model using Michaelis-Menten kinetics to find the ideal aragonite dosage. Throughout the competition, she was mentored by Deborah Isabelle, a product engineering specialist at 3M. The work grew from Doshi's interest in marine life and her hobby of collecting seashells. Deborah Isabelle noted that Raji's project exemplifies how pursuing a passion can lead to impactful innovations that can change the world.

Doshi was one of ten finalists, aged 11 to 14, who participated in the challenge during the summer of 2026. The final events took place at the 3M global headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota, on October 12 and 13. Each finalist identified a real-world problem and presented their solution in a one- to two-minute video. Judges evaluated the entries based on scientific knowledge, creativity, and communication skills. Two other finalists received recognition: Aaisha Asif from Sarasota, Florida, placed second and Sharvi Mahajan from San Diego, California, placed third, with each receiving $1,000 prizes.

Leaders from 3M and Discovery Education recognized the finalists for their approaches to solving challenges through science. William Brown, 3M's Chairman and CEO, emphasized the competition's role in showcasing the potential of young people to tackle real-world problems. The competition has a history of helping winners launch careers in science and technology, with past participants going on to deliver TED Talks and file patents. An alumni network, established in 2022, now includes more than 100 past winners, finalists, and mentors.