Minnesota Junior Academy of Science

The Minnesota 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 b the Minnesota Academy of Science in 1936. Students with top scoring projects at the Minnesota Science Fair and students demonstrating excellence in other STEM research competitions are invited to join MJAS. New members are inducted in April of each year.

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. As part of MJAS, students have opportunities to provide input on MAS programming and serve as leaders and ambassadors for STEM and STEM education. 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). 2025 Officers: John Liu (President), Rathan Duggirala (Vice President), Milan Darji (Treasurer), Alyssa Wang (Secretary).

Active MJAS Members

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

SRINIDHI BABU, MAYO HIGH SCHOOL, CLASS OF 2026

Srinidhi’s 2025 SSEF project was titled Investigating the Role of p19Arf in Lung Cancer and Identifying Potential Gene-Targeted Therapies. At the 2025 SSEF, Srinidhi won the 3M Young Inventor Recognition, Beckman Coulter Award for Excellence in Engineering, and a MAS Bronze Award. Inducted 2025.

JOS BUFFINGTON, MASSACHUSETTS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, CLASS OF 2029

At the 2025 SSEF, Jos and their research partner presented PaleoENM: A novel machine learning model for understanding the Cretaceous analog for ecosystem disruption by future climate change. They won a MAS Bronze Award, the Aquatic Science Achievement Award from American Fisheries Society (Minnesota Chapter), and the Rosalind E. Franklin Perseverance in STEM Award from Empowering Women in Science. 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. MJAS Officer 2024.

Milan Darji, Minnetonka High School, class of 2026

Milan’s love of scientific research began with entering his project in a local science fair in first grade. His current research pioneers new techniques in proteomics, and won the Medtronic Innovation Award (1st Place), Regeneron Biomedical Science Award, and Yale Science and Engineering Award for Most Outstanding Exhibit in Computer Science, Engineering, Physics, or Chemistry at the 2025 MSEF (2025). Milan has also completed a research internship at the Regeneron Genetics Center, where he applied Big Data skills to tackle an important question in cardiology. Along the way, Milan has been recognized for his contributions to science, including being a Minnesota Scholar of Distinction in Science, a Finalist in the 2025 International GENIUS Olympiad and the 2025 Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (oral presentation), and a 2025 National STEM Challenge National Finalist. He believes in the power of science to improve our lives, and is passionate about using his platform in MJAS to help engage and train the next generation of researchers. Since 2021, Milan has also worked to make robotics opportunities more accessible to younger students, founding Robot Day, and mentors several youth robotics teams. He enjoys sailing, hiking, and cycling, participates in Toastmasters, and volunteers in his community. Inducted 2024. MJAS Officer 2024 & 2025.

Rathan Duggirala, Mayo High School, class of 2027

Rathan’s project, Optimizing Biologic Paint Drying Time with Cellulose Nanocrystals and Chitosan Additives, earned a Gold Award at the 2025 Minnesota SSEF and advanced them to the International Science & Engineering Fair. 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. MJAS Officer 2024 & 2025.

MIRA JAYANT, MINNETONKA HIGH SCHOOL, CLASS OF 2027

Mira’s 2025 SSEF project was titled Integrity: Generalized Artificial Image Classification with Noise Domain Localization. At the 2025 SSEF, Mira won the Beckman Coulter Award for Excellence in Engineering, Medtronic Technical Achievement Award: Biomedical Applications, Naval Science Award, and a MAS Silver Award. Inducted 2025.

CALEB LI, BRECK SCHOOL, CLASS OF 2026

Caleb’s joint 2025 SSEF project with Dawson Miller was titled Farewell Forever: Degradation of Pentadecauorooctanoic Acid Using UV-C Light and Titanium Dioxide. At the 2025 SSEF, Caleb and Dawson won a MAS Silver Award. Caleb had previously done a project for the 2024 SSEF titled Optimizing Traffic During Morning Drop Off, and is a member of FRC Team 3630. Inducted 2025.

JOHN LIU, MOUNDS VIEW HIGH SCHOOL, CLASS OF 2026

John’s 2025 SSEF project was titled Solar-Enhanced Biomass-based Filtration System for Removing Microplastics and Heavy Metals. At the 2025 SSEF, John won the Medtronic Technical Achievement Award: Sustainability, Bolton & Menk Young Inventor Award, Award for Excellence In Environmental Health Science from the Minnesota Environmental Health Association, U.S. Air Force Achievement Award, and MAS Silver Award. John’s 2024 SSEF project, The Use of Sustained Releasing Technology to Reduce Deicing Salt Pollution, won the Aquatic Sciences Achievement Award, Bolton & Menk Young Inventor Award, and the Science Communication Award. John’s 2023 SSEF project, Green Electronics: A Feasible Solution to Reduce E-waste Pollutions, advanced to the International Science & Engineering Fair from the Twin Cities Regional Science Fair in 2023. Inducted 2024. MJAS Officer 2023, 2024, 2025.

DAWSON MILLER, BRECK SCHOOL, CLASS OF 2026

Dawson’s joint 2025 SSEF project with Caleb Li was titled Farewell Forever: Degradation of Pentadecauorooctanoic Acid Using UV-C Light and Titanium Dioxide. At the 2025 SSEF, Dawson and Caleb won a MAS Silver Award. Inducted 2025.

ANA MILOSEVIC, CENTURY HIGH SCHOOL, CLASS OF 2026

Ana’s 2025 SSEF project was titled Development of an Immunouorescent Test to Detect Measles Virus Proteins and Transgenes in Clinical Samples from Patients Treated with Oncolytic Measles Virus Strains. At the 2025 SSEF, Ana won the U.S. Naval Science Award. Inducted 2025.

EVAN MORRIS, SAINT PAUL ACADEMY AND SUMMIT SCHOOL, CLASS OF 2026

Evan won a Gold Award at the 2025 Minnesota SSEF for Shining Light on Synapses: A New Cost‑Effective, Noninvasive Method to Advance Neurodegenerative Studies. Inducted 2025.

REVA PATEL, MAYO HIGH SCHOOL, CLASS OF 2027

Reva is a rising junior at Mayo High School and has participated in science fairs for three years. Reva’s 2025 SSEF project was titled Optimizing Wavelengths of Light for Accurate Measurement of Sucrose Concentration through Laser Transmission, and won a MAS Bronze Award. Reva plays tennis and violin, enjoys embroidery art, is a member of Science Olympiad and Math League teams, and volunteers at Mayo Clinic and Olmsted Medical Center. Inducted 2025.

VICK TAN, EP ACADEMY, CLASS OF 2027

Vick’s 2025 SSEF project was titled A Reusable Teabag for Bioremediation of Arsenic from Drinking Water. At the 2025 SSEF, Vick won the Medtronic Innovation Award (3rd place), the award for Outstanding Experimental Project In Chemistry by the American Chemical Society (ACS), Minnesota Section, and a MAS Gold Award. Inducted 2025.

ALYSSA WANG, EAST RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, CLASS OF 2027

Alyssa’s 2025 SSEF project was titled Development of edible active coating films from agro-waste for produce preservation. At the 2025 SSEF, Alyssa won the Institute of Technologists Food Science Award, Ecolab Food Safety Award, 3M Young Inventor Recognition, Bolton & Menk Young Inventor Award, and a MAS Silver Award, and advanced to the International Science & Engineering Fair. Alyssa is passionate about advocating for research and environmental protection. Outside of science, Alyssa enjoys being a competitive mermaid (swimming), playing cello, and coaching elementary and middle school math competitions. Inducted 2024. MJAS Officer 2025.

ISABELLA WANG, EAST RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, CLASS OF 2027

Isabella's 2025 research project, Hive Health: Characterizing Recapping and Hygienic Behavior in Honey Bees as a Natural Defense Mechanisms Against Varroa Mites and Viruses Using Real-Time PCR to Quantify Viral Levels, won a MAS Bronze Award, the Taking the Pulse of the Planet Award, a Geoscience Excellence Award, and a U.S. Agency for International Development Science Champion Award. Inducted 2025.

HUXLEY WESTEIMEIER, SAINT PAUL ACADEMY AND SUMMIT SCHOOL, CLASS OF 2026

Huxley’s 2025 SSEF project was titled Integrity: Generalized Artificial Image Classification with Noise Domain Localization. At the 2025 SSEF, Huxley won the 3M Young Inventor Recognition, Beckman Coulter Award for Excellence in Engineering, and a MAS Gold Award, and advanced to the International Science & Engineering Fair (ISEF). Read more about Huxley’s awards at ISEF here. Inducted 2025.

BERSY YONAS, EAST RIDGE HIGH SCHOOL, CLASS OF 2026

Bersy’s 2025 SSEF project was titled Creating and Optimizing the Impact of a Multisensory Mental Wellness Space in Public Schools. At the 2025 SSEF, Bersy won the Science Communication Award, 3M Young Inventor Recognition, and a MAS Silver Award, and advanced to the International Science & Engineering Fair. Inducted 2025.

Honorary 2024 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 SSEF 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.

Alyssa WANG

Alyssa’s 2024 SSEF project, “Development of Novel Biodegradable Bioplastics Using Mango Peels Intended for Packaging Film”, won a 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, and advanced to ISEF. Alyssa is passionate about advocating for research and environmental protection. Outside of science, Alyssa enjoys being a competitive mermaid (swimming), playing cello, and coaching elementary and middle school math competitions. Inducted 2024.

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.