Minnesota Junior Academy of Science

The MN Junior Academy of Science (MJAS) is an honorary society and leadership group of high school and college students from Minnesota who have demonstrated excellence in scientific research.

About MJAS

Minnesota’s “Junior Academy” was established in 1936, although it did not operate from 2017 - 2021. Minnesota’s “Senior Academy” (the Minnesota Academy of Science) re-formed the Junior Academy in 2022.

As part of MJAS, students have opportunities to provide input on MAS programming and serve as leaders and ambassadors for STEM and STEM education.

MAS invites students with top scoring research projects at the State Science & Engineering Fair to join MJAS. Students demonstrating excellence in other STEM research competitions are welcome to APPLY HERE. New members are inducted in April. Active members attend monthly meetings and may participate in MJAS activities over the summer and during the school year and may opt to attend the American Junior Academy of Science Annual Meeting in February or March.

Questions about MJAS? Contact info@mnmas.org

MJAS Officers

Junior Academy officers demonstrate a high level of engagement in MJAS activities and agree to serve as leaders of the organization for one school year (September - May). Check back soon for information about the 2024-2025 MJAS officers!

Active MJAS Members

Active members are currently engaged in MJAS activities and regularly attend meetings.

Fernanda Arreola-Lucio, Minnetonka High School, Class of 2024 / Duke University

Fernanda is relatively new to science research, with her first year project: “Trying to find needles in a blood sac”, focusing on the creation of a novel hemostatic agent to increase perfusion across the wound site and body winning the Gold Award at the 2024 MSSEF, and making her a 2024 ISEF finalist. Fernanda strongly believes in accessibility and advocacy being at the core of all STEM work, and has spent six years volunteering and mentoring local students in her own hispanic community about science and advocacy. Outside of research, her hobbies include running triathlons, coaching her schools debate team, listening to music, and trying new foods! Inducted 2024.

Jos Buffington, Mayo High School, Class of 2025

Jos’ 2024 SSEF project was titled Paleoenvironmental and paleoceanographic changes across Ocean Anoxic Event 2 indicated by a southwest Minnesota core section. At the 2024 SSEF, Jos won the Geology, Earth Science, Environmental Science, and Sustainability Excellence Award from the American Institute of Professional Geologists and the MAS Silver Award. Inducted 2024.

Milan Darji, Minnetonka High School, class of 2026

Milan’s 2024 SSEF project was titled A novel use of RFdiffusion, an AI denoising diffusion probabilistic model, to design scaffold proteins. Milan won the 3M Science Applied to Life Award (Third Place) and the MAS Bronze Award. Inducted 2024.

Rathan Duggirala, Mayo High School, class of 2027

Rathan's research project, “A Novel Approach to Synthesis of Bio-paint in Toto; Analysis of Spectral Intensity Trends and Comparison to Commercial Paints (Year 3)”, explores the creation of a safe and environmentally friendly bio-paint using magenta pigment proteins produced by genetically modified Escherichia coli and casein binding medium, aiming to offer a sustainable alternative to commercial paints containing toxic heavy metals and VOC-emitting binders. The study demonstrates that the bio-paint exhibits similar spectral durability as compared to its commercial counterparts under various environmental conditions, suggesting it's viability in real-world applications. This year, Rathan's project received the gold award, among others. His 4 years of independent, self-driven research was recognized with several regional and state awards including the Seagate Rising Star award in 2023. Apart from the science fair, Rathan is a member of the Science Olympiad Varsity Team, focusing in biology-related events, is a director of the Mayo Medical Club, and is a Mayo Clinic Volunteer. Rathan is passionate about giving back to his community and his hobbies include biking, tennis, traveling, and cooking. Inducted in 2024.

Erik Hill, Century High School, class of 2025

Erik's project, "Applying Novel Metallic Aerogels as High Capacity Lithium-Ion Battery Anodes," applied a sodium-silicate xerogel as a matrix for an aluminum anode, allowing for higher-capacity and more sustainable materials to be used without the risks of expansion damaging the battery. The project, conducted with partners Ezra Weldegabriel and Ardashir Kocer, advanced to ISEF 2024 from the Rochester regional fair STEM fair. Outside of research, Erik enjoys mountain biking, participating in math league and debate, and reading. Inducted 2024.

Quinn Hughes, Minnetonka High School (Minnetonka), Class of 2025

Quinn’s project is a partner project with a classmate, Tyler, and is titled: “Using Monte Carlo Simulation to Optimize Vitamin C Production in Brassica oleracea using Abiotic Plant Stress.” In her free time Quinn enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and swimming. Quinn and Tyler presented their Year 2 research at the 2023 MN SSEF (watch video), where they received a Gold Award and other awards. Inducted in 2022. MJAS Officer 2023.

Humza Jameel, Saint Paul Academy and Summit School, class of 2025

Humza's science fair project "Investigating the Effects of Rubber Aggregate as a Substitute for Natural Aggregate on the Strength of Concrete" received a Silver Award at the MN SSEF, along with sponsor awards at the regional and state levels. Humza is passionate about sustainable infrastructure and green construction. He enjoys playing basketball and tennis. Inducted 2024.

Isha Kapoor, Mayo High School (Rochester), Class of 2024

Isha has been participating in her local and state science fairs since 7th grade. Her science fair project, "Overcoming Melphalan Resistance in the Treatment of Multiple Myeloma", was selected for the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in 2022 and 2023 and also won multiple awards at the regional and state levels. This project focused on determining the alterations in the metabolic pathways of myeloma (cancer) cells that caused these cells to become resistant to melphalan, a therapeutic agent that is commonly used to treat plasma cell cancer. In addition to her interest in science and research, Isha is an Indian classical dancer, plays piano, and is a member of multiple clubs at her school including serving as the co-chair of her school’s Equity Team. In the future, Isha plans to pursue a career in a STEM field. Isha was named an AJAS Fellow in 2023. She presented her Year 2 research at the 2023 MN State Science & Engineering Fair (SSEF) —watch video. Inducted in 2022. MJAS Officer 2022 and 2023.

John Liu, Mounds View High School (Arden Hills), Class of 2026

John’s project, “Green Electronics: A Feasible Solution to Reduce E-waste Pollutions” advanced to ISEF from the Twin Cities Regional Science Fair in 2023. Inducted in 2023. MJAS Officer 2023.

Rohil Patel, Mayo High School, class of 2025

Rohil is Involved in Science Olympiad and Math League, plays the violin, and enjoys computer programming. Rohil’s 2024 SSEF project was titled Inhibition of GPRC5A in human airway smooth muscle cells and its effects on calcium handling and cell proliferation. At the 2024 SSEF, Rohil won the Outstanding Achievement for Ability and Creativity in In Vitro Biology Award, the Naval Science Award, and the MAS Bronze Award. Inducted 2024.

Sarah Peterson, Breck School (Golden Valley), Class of 2023 / Bowdoin College

Sarah’s research project, “Protecting Plants: Investigating the relationship between fertilizers and insect damage in an urban garden” examined the effect of soil amendments on insect herbivory. She advanced to ISEF from the 2023 Twin Cities Regional Science Fair. READ SARAH’S BLOG POST, “Starting Science: A High Schooler’s Experience with Science Fair.” Inducted in 2023.

CALEB SMITH, PRIOR LAKE-SAVAGE HIGH SCHOOL (PRIOR LAKE), CLASS OF 2023

Caleb’s project advanced through the Southern MN Regional Science Fair, the MN State Science & Engineering Fair and then earned a Grand Award in Animal Sciences at the 2022 International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). His research was conducted while veterinarians gave vaccines to 700+ rabbits that were enrolled in a mass vaccination clinic during the national outbreak to protect against the deadly rabbit hemorrhagic virus (RHDV2). ISEF PROJECT BOARD: “Harms and benefits of oral sucrose provided to reduce domestic rabbit’s distress during needle prick procedures: Random Controlled Trial” His 4-H and FFA project also earned first place at the 2022 Minnesota Agriscience Fair. Caleb was named an American Junior Academy of Science Fellow in 2023. Inducted in 2022.

Adhvaith Sridhar, Wayzata High School (Wayzata), Class of 2022 / UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA

Sriram Sureshkumar, Mahtomedi High School (Mahtomedi), Class of 2025

Sriram’s project, “Impact of Biochar as soil amendment on produce yield (Year 1)” advanced to ISEF 2023 from the Twin Cities Regional Science Fair. Inducted in 2023.

Alyssa Wang, East Ridge High School, class of 2027

Alyssa’s 2024 SSEF project, Development of Novel Biodegradable Bioplastics Using Mango Peels Intended for Packaging Film, won the MAS Gold Award, the Bolton & Menk Young Inventor Award, the Institute of Technologists Food Science Award, and the Land O’Lakes Award for Food Innovation. Inducted 2024.

Dean Wang, Century High School (Rochester), Class of 2025

Dean's project, Treatment of SARS-CoV-2: A Prescription Framework to Predict Novel Drug-Drug Interaction Risks with Machine Learning (Year 2)"compared pharmacological mechanism and pathway similarity using machine learning to predict interactions. The project, conducted with partner Danielle Wang, was recognized at the MN SSEF with a Gold Award. Outside of research, Dean plays tennis, swims, debates, and competes in BPA. Inducted in 2023.

Honorary MJAS Members

Membership in MJAS recognizes a high level of pre-collegiate STEM research and does not require active participation in the activities of the organization. Honorary members are currently inactive in MJAS meetings and activities or have graduated from college.

Stavya Arora, Maple Grove Senior High School (Maple Grove), Class of 2023

Stavya’s science fair project, “Overcoming Opioids: Analyzing, characterizing, and quantifying the sentiment of Reddit posts’ tone and language prior to a relapse to allow for early intervention” went to the National Junior Science & Humanities Symposium (NJSHS) in 2022. As a part of this project, Stavya built language matching systems that identify when a Reddit user is at risk for an opioid addiction relapse based on their tone and language in prior posts. Some of her other hobbies include biking, reading, and baking. Stavya was also named a 2023 Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar and a 2023 American Junior Academy of Science (AJAS) Fellow. Inducted in 2022. MJAS Officer, 2022-23.

Rishi Bhargava, St. Paul Academy & Summit School (St. Paul), Class of 2024

Rishi’s research project, “Project WASP: Watering Atmospheric Self-Irrigating Planters,” conducted with partner Humza Murad, received a Gold Award and several other awards and advanced to ISEF from the 2023 MN SSEF. Inducted in 2023.

Josiah Butler, Chaska High School (Chaska), Class of 2024

Josiah’s project, “Synthesizing Ethanol from Recycled Cardboard Sludge using a Cellulase Enzyme Blend and Yeast” advanced to ISEF in 2022. Inducted in 2022.

Finn Cairns, Saint Paul Academy and Summit School, class of 2025

Finn’s project, ViABL: Visual Assistant for the Blind with VLMs, advanced to ISEF and won the MAS Gold Award, the Medtronic Technical Achievement Award: Science & Engineering, the 3M Science Applied to Life Award (First Place), and the American Heart Association Community Impact Award. Inducted 2024.

Ethan Chen, Minnetonka High School (Minnetonka), Class of 2023

Ethan’s project, “Examination of various essential oils on Candida albicans model organism growth as an indicator of anti-dandruff properties on Malassezia” won several awards at the 2022 State Science & Engineering Fair. Inducted in 2022.

Henry Choi, St. Paul Academy and Summit School (St. Paul), Class of 2024

Henry’s project, “The Effect of Gefitinib on Cell Proliferation and Invasion in 2D and 3D Cultures of MDA-MB-231 Breast Cancer Cells,” advanced to ISEF from the 2023 Twin Cities Regional Science Fair. Inducted in 2023.

Linnea Cooley, St. Paul Academy and Summit School (St. Paul), Class of 2023 / University of California, San Diego

Linnea’s science fair project, "Effect of Ethanol and Octocrylene on the Cell Growth and Chlorophyll-a Levels of Cyclotella meneghiniana" went to NJSHS in 2022. This project aimed to determine the effects of chemical sunscreen on freshwater diatoms. Linnea's passion is marine biology, and she also enjoys painting, singing, and swimming. Linnea was named an AJAS Fellow in 2023. Inducted in 2022. Linnea’s science fair project, "Effect of Ethanol and Octocrylene on the Cell Growth and Chlorophyll-a Levels of Cyclotella meneghiniana" went to NJSHS in 2022. This project aimed to determine the effects of chemical sunscreen on freshwater diatoms. Linnea's passion is marine biology, and she also enjoys painting, singing, and swimming. Linnea was named an AJAS Fellow in 2023. Inducted in 2022. MJAS Officer, 2022-23. Read Linnea’s BLOG POST on “The Top 5 Reasons Why I’m Grateful to Have Participated in STEM Research in High School.”

Tyler Clair, Minnetonka High School (Minnetonka), Class of 2025

Inducted in 2022 for “Using Monte Carlo Simulation to Optimize Vitamin C Production in Brassica oleracea using Abiotic Plant Stress.”

Yash Dagade, Eden Prairie High School (Eden Prairie), Class of 2024

Yash’s project, “WATT from VAWT: Design of A Novel Vertical Airborne Wind Turbine (VAWT) Clean Energy Farm” was recognized with several awards at the 2023 MN SSEF and advanced to ISEF, where his project received a Third Award in his category. Inducted in 2023.

Kyla Fung, Minnetonka High School (Minnetonka), Class of 2022

Inducted in 2022 for “Sustainable Bioplastics: Seaweed and Hemp-based Alternatives to Fossil Fuel-based Plastics.”

Jack Gootzeit, Waconia High School (Waconia), Class of 2023

Inducted in 2022 for “Organic Acids with Standard Road Salts: An Eco-friendly Solution.”

Arreh Jain, Wayzata High School (Wayzata), Class of 2023

Arreh’s science fair project, “Beyond neurons—mapping the fine-scale organization of blood vessels in the brain may provide new insights into the mechanisms of dementia” was selected to advance to ISEF from the 2023 Twin Cities Regional Science Fair in 2023. As a part of this project, Arreh analyzed data and researched focusing on quantifying the number and density of vessels, measuring the dimensions and spacing of these blood vessels, and comparing the results based on how the sample was generated. Arreh is passionate about giving back to his community and his hobbies include biking, swimming, and playing keyboard. Inducted in 2023.

Ardashir Kocer, Century High School, class of 2026

Ardashir’s project, An Investigation of Alternative Lithium Ion Battery Anodes, won the MAS Bronze Award, the Outstanding Experimental Project in Chemistry/Biochemistry from the American Chemical Society (Minnesota Section), and the Collaboration in STEM Award from Young Environmental Consulting Group. Inducted in 2024.

Elizabeth ​​Levinshteyn, Spring Lake Park High School (Spring Lake Park), Class of 2025

Elizabeth’s science fair project, "A Look into the TINY Earth: Finding Antibiotic-Producing Bacteria in Yellowstone Soil" advanced to ISEF in 2022. This project investigated the antibiotic properties of bacteria found in soil samples throughout Yellowstone's uniquely extreme environment. Her hobbies include track, climbing, drawing, and playing guitar. Inducted in 2022. MJAS Officer 2022 and 2023.

Bora Mandic, St. Paul Academy and Summit School, class of 2025

Bora’s 2024 SSEF project, SignalGrab: A Machine Learning Approach to Helping Color Blind Drivers, won the MAS Gold Award, the Minnesota Academy of Science Coding Award, the 3M Science Applied to Life Award (Second Place), and the Data Visionary Award from Gateway Fiber. Inducted in 2024.

Ruth Mellin, St. Paul Academy and Summit School (St. Paul), Class of 2022

Inducted in 2022 for “Project SERSI: Smartphone Enabled Robotic Sign-Language Interpreter.”

Alex Moore, St. Paul Academy and Summit School (St. Paul), Class of 2022

Inducted in 2022 for “Project SERSI: Smartphone Enabled Robotic Sign-Language Interpreter.”

Corinne Moran, Breck School, class of 2024

Corinne’s 2024 SSEF project, Deciphering DUX4 (Year II): Is transient expression of the DUX4 gene sufficient to cause muscular dystrophy?, advanced to ISEF and won the Beckman Coulter Award for Excellence in Science (First Place). Inducted in 2024.

Humza murad, St. Paul Academy & Summit School (St. Paul), Class of 2024

Humza’s research project, “Project WASP: Watering Atmospheric Self-Irrigating Planters,” conducted with partner Rishi Bhargava, received a Gold Award and several other awards and advanced to ISEF from the 2023 MN SSEF. Outside of STEM and school, Humza enjoys soccer, tennis, and fencing. Inducted in 2023.

Lakshika Nanda Kumar Reddy, Math & Science Academy (Woodbury), Class of 2024

Lakshika’s research project, “Detecting Cataracts From Front-View Retinal Images Using Machine Learning” was selected to go to ISEF at the Twin Cities Regional Fair in 2023 and received a Gold Award and other awards at the MN SSEF. As a part of this project, Lakshika built an app that implemented a machine learning model that identified and classified cataracts and healthy eyes. In addition to her interest in science and research, Lakshika is an Indian classical dancer, badminton player, and is a member of multiple clubs including being a lettering member of SWENext for two years. Inducted in 2023.

Muminah Nihaar Mohammed, Al-Amal School (Fridley), Class of 2024

Muminah has participated in science fairs for almost 10 years and is passionate about public safety and health, environmental engineering, and sustainability. Muminah’s science fair project, "Unbind the Blind" advanced from the 2023 MN SSEF to ISEF where her project received a Fourth Award. Her hobbies include reading, researching, web-design, and volunteering. Inducted in 2023.

Trisha Samba, Breck School (Golden Valley), Class of 2023

Trisha and Amira’s project, “Water You Risking? Developing a Novel Maze to Assess the Effects of Thirst. on Risk-Taking Behavior in Mice” was recognized for excellence at both the 2022 North Central Regional JSHS and the 2022 MN State Science & Engineering Fair. Inducted in 2022.

Shreshth Shrivastava, Eden Prairie High School (Eden Prairie), Class of 2024

Shreshth’s project, “Wi-C.A.R.E: Wifi Computer-Assisted Remote Eldercare (Year IV)” was selected to advance to ISEF from the Twin Cities Regional Science Fair in 2023 and received a Bronze Award at the MN SSEF. Inducted in 2023.

Amira Sinclair, Breck School (Golden Valley), Class of 2023

Amira and Trisha’s project, “Water You Risking? Developing a Novel Maze to Assess the Effects of Thirst. on Risk-Taking Behavior in Mice” was recognized for excellence at both the 2022 North Central Regional JSHS and the 2022 MN State Science & Engineering Fair. Inducted in 2022.

Saloni Somia, Minnetonka High School (Minnetonka), Class of 2023

Saloni’s research project, “The Effect of Calcium Signaling on Cell-Cell Fusion” received a Gold Award at the MN SSEF. This project aimed to determine if calcium signaling within HEK-293 cells could induce cell-cell fusion thus making metastasis more aggressive. Saloni is passionate about the intersection of health, policy, and computer science. In her free time, she loves to play the drumset, spend time with her family, and meticulously create Spotify playlists. Inducted in 2023.

Chaeun (Christine) Song, Mayo High School (Rochester), Class of 2023 / Harvard University

Christine’s project, “Cure of Breast Cancer - Year 5: A Novel Approach to Treating Hormonal Breast Cancer using Diabetes Medication through Clinical Database and 3D ex vivo Model” won First Place at the 2022 North Central Regional JSHS and advanced to National JSHS. Her 5th year of cancer research was also recognized with several awards at the 2022 State Science & Engineering Fair. was named an American Junior Academy of Science Fellow in 2023. Inducted in 2022.

ANA Stewart, Minnetonka High School (minnetonka), Class of 2023 / UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI

Ana’s project, “The Application of Mushroom Mycelium as a Biomaterial and Leather Alternative” advanced to ISEF from the 2023 Twin Cities Regional Science Fair. Inducted in 2023.

Danielle Wang, Century High School (Rochester), Class of 2024

Danielle’s research, “Treatment of SARS-CoV-2: A Prescription Framework to Predict Novel Drug-Drug Interaction Risks with Machine Learning (Year 2)” conducted with partner Dean Wang was recognized with a Gold Award at the 2023 MN SSEF. Inducted in 2023.

Jeffrey Wang, Mayo High School (Rochester), Class of 2023

Jeffrey’s project, “Automatic Classification of Peripheral Neutrophils on Digital Images Analyzed by Artificial Intelligence” advanced to ISEF in 2022. Jeffrey was named an AJAS Fellow in 2023. Inducted in 2022.

Ezra Weldegabriel, mayo high school, class of 2025

Ezra’s project, An Investigation of Alternative Lithium Ion Battery Anodes, won the MAS Bronze Award, the Outstanding Experimental Project in Chemistry/Biochemistry from the American Chemical Society (Minnesota Section), and the Collaboration in STEM Award from Young Environmental Consulting Group. Inducted in 2024.

Isabella Wimmer, Perham High School (Perham), Class of 2025

Isabella has pursued her passion for science research for two years. Her project, “The Study of Aquatic Plants Effect on Polluted Waters” advanced to ISEF from the Western Regional Science Fair in 2023. In her free time, Isabella enjoys spending a lot of time outdoors hiking, camping, and kayaking. She also loves to crochet and make jewelry. Inducted in 2023.

MJAS Advisors

Lara Maupin (MAS EXecutive Director), MJAS Advisor

CassiA Block, MJAS Summer 2022 Mentor

Dr. Greg Park (MAS Board Secretary), MAS BOARD Liaison to MJAS

Dr. Mark Davis, Abstract Reviewer for AJAS/AAAS FELLOWS

Jen Hadley, MAS Staff Liaison to mjas

Special Thanks

MAS thanks the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation for their 2022-23 support of the Junior Academy’s work to expand the impact of the MN State Science & Engineering Fair by exploring new ways to share their STEM research and the benefits of doing research with other MN students.

MAS thanks the National Association of Academies of Science for their generous support of MJAS students attending the 2023 American Junior Academy of Science Annual Meeting in Washington, DC.