Iris Gupta, a rising seventh grade student at Robert Frost Middle School, has been named one of 10 finalists in the 2015 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge. She will now compete for the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist” and a $25,000 prize on October 12-13, at 3M headquarters in Minnesota.

A partnership between Discovery Education and 3M, the Young Scientist Challenge encourages the exploration of science and innovation and promotes the importance of science communication. The contest invited students in grades 5–8 to create a short video describing a new, innovative solution that could solve or impact an everyday problem.

The 10 finalists were chosen based on their science acumen, innovative thinking and exceptional communication skills as demonstrated in their entry videos.

Gupta’s invention explores the use of nanoparticles to block, and ultimately stop, allergens at their source. See her video entry on the competition website.

As a finalist, Gupta will have an opportunity to work directly with a 3M scientist during a unique summer mentorship program where she will be challenged to develop an invention that positively impacts her, her family, her community or the global population. Throughout the mentorship, the finalists will have access to resources and support provided by 3M and Discovery Education. Gupta is the only finalist from the state of Maryland.

For more information about the competition, visit http://www.youngscientistchallenge.com/.

National Release