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Raji Doshi: A Bright Future for Ocean Health

At just 13 years old, Raji Doshi has accomplished something extraordinary: she has been named America's Top Young Scientist for her innovative approach to tackling ocean acidification. The 8th grader from Farmington, Connecticut, was awarded this prestigious title during the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge, which fosters creativity and practical solutions in young minds through science.

The Challenge

Hosted by 3M and Discovery Education, the Young Scientist Challenge invites middle school students across the United States to identify everyday challenges and propose scientific solutions. This year, Raji created a novel system using algae and aragonite to enhance alkalinity in seawater, effectively removing carbon dioxide—a major driver of ocean acidification. The summer-long competition culminated in Raji's presentation at the 3M global headquarters, where ten finalists showcased their scientific ingenuity.

Raji's project, aptly named Engineering a Novel Durable Algae-Aragonite Alkalinity System, explores the synergy of macroalgae cultivation with natural calcium carbonate buffers. This combination not only increases algae biomass but also significantly reduces dissolved carbon dioxide levels in coastal ecosystems, which are increasingly threatened by pollution and climate change.

Scientific Innovation

In her innovative exploration, Raji conducted a series of experiments and utilized carbonite chemistry analysis to demonstrate how her solution could respond to the escalating problem of acidification. The algae-aragonite system has the potential to be a durable and cost-effective method for coastal communities struggling with the impacts of climate change.

Further enriching her project, Raji developed a Michaelis-Menten computational model to ascertain the optimal dosage of aragonite—adding a layer of complexity that sets her work apart. This model could dramatically enhance the applicability of her findings, paving the way for practical applications in environmental science.

Recognition and Support

Raji's effort did not go unnoticed. She received a cash prize of $25,000 for her groundbreaking work—a testament to her passion and dedication. Reflecting on her motivation, Raji shared how her love for collecting seashells inspired her to create a solution to protect marine life threatened by acidification.

William Brown, 3M's CEO, acknowledged that initiatives like the Young Scientist Challenge reveal the remarkable potential of students to confront pressing challenges facing our world. Raji's success is a prime example of how younger generations can leverage their interests and creativity to inspire solutions for global issues.

The support Raji received during the Challenge was invaluable. Each finalist was paired with a mentor from 3M to refine their projects and navigate the complexities of bringing a scientific idea to life. Raji worked closely with Deborah Isabelle, a product engineering specialist who underscored the importance of passion in scientific pursuits.

Looking Ahead

As the world grapples with the daunting realities of climate change, the work of young scientists like Raji gives hope. The 3M Young Scientist Challenge has been instrumental in encouraging innovation in STEM education, and Raji’s efforts exemplify the potential solutions that youth can formulate. Previous participants have gone on to make significant impacts, such as delivering TED Talks, filing patents, and creating nonprofit organizations.

With Raji Doshi leading the charge, it's clear that the future of scientific innovation lies in the hands of today's youth. For those who want to learn more about her work and other finalists from this year's challenge, further details can be found at youngscientistlab.com. Here’s to a future where ingenuity and youthful passion transform the world and protect our precious ecosystems for generations to come.