Sugar Land Teen A Finalist In 3M's Young Scientist Challenge

SUGAR LAND, TX -- A Sugar Land 8th grader who has invented a water-saving toilet flushing system has been named a finalist in the 3M and Discovery Education National Science Competition.

Mehaa Amirthalingam, 13, and a student at Fort Bend ISD's Sartartia Middle School, was named one of 10 finalist nationwide to receive a $25,000 scholarship and the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.”

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Amirthalingam has developed a toilet flushing system that uses both fresh and recycled water to reduce water consumption in the home.

"With water scarcity being a serious issue in many parts of the world, the use of gray water is a common practice," she said.

However, there are a lot of practical issues related to hygiene when using gray water, she said.

Gray water is water that isn't suitable for drinking, but contains impurities after being used for washing but does not contain fecal bacteria.

Gray water is often expelled through septic sprinklers, and is some cases is used to water golf course greens or commercial landscaping.

Amirthalingam researched her project, and within a few months had a prototype constructed, but this isn't the first project like this one she has devised.

"Last year my science fair project was actually a recycling shower system that used gray water as well," she said.

Amirthalingam said this toilet flushing system would work well in countries where fresh water is scarce.

Students were invited to submit short videos that describe a new invention or idea that could solve or impact an everyday problem.

Of hundreds who entered, judges selected 10 finalists for their exceptional science acumen, spirit of innovation and ingenuity, and effective communication skills demonstrated in their entry videos. The finalists ̶ seven boys and three girls, ranging in ages from 12-14 ̶ include those from public and private schools all across the nation.

“The Young Scientist Challenge has not only supported students in achieving their dreams, but it has also provided the 3M team with the opportunity to contribute to the future of science in a special way,” said Paul Keel, senior vice president of Business Development and Marketing-Sales at 3M. “As we look toward the next chapter of 3M’s involvement in youth development, we are tremendously proud to be a part of shaping our next educators, entreprenuers and inventors.”

Finalists will have the unique opportunity to work one-on-one with 3M scientists during a summer mentorship program to develop their ideas into a working solution that has potential to positively impact their family, community or the global population.

Students meet virtually with their mentors, who provide guidance from concept to prototype. 3M is a company rooted in scientific exploration, and the belief that every problem has a solution. These practices offer students complete experience of the scientific process and how to apply it to solve a real-world problem. Throughout the program, each student will have access to resources and support provided by 3M and Discovery Education.

“Year after year, we have been honored to witness firsthand the ingenuity and charisma of the nation’s youngest generation,” said Lori McFarling, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at Discovery Education. “3M shares our unwavering support for children who, no matter their age, seize the opportunity to solve real-world problems and who encourage their peers to explore the power of science.”

All 10 finalists receive $1,000 and a trip to 3M Headquarters in St. Paul, Minnesota, to participate in the final competition at the 3M Innovation Center during October 2018.

A panel of judges will evaluate finalists on a series of challenges, including a presentation of their completed innovation. Judges will score each challenge independently. The winner will receive $25,000, a trip to watch the taping of a Discovery Network show and the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.”

"This was my year to able to compete in this challenge, so I really worked hard, and was really excited to (hear) I was a finalist," Amirthalingam said.

Image: Ketchum/3M

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