25-26 Projects
OsmoFlux: Energy Generation Through Osmosis
Hi! My name is Rohan Agarwal and my project OsmoFlux analyzes the generation of energy through osmosis, a process known as reverse electrodialysis (RED). My work involves prototyping an RED device and assessing the financial feasibility of the technology in conjunction with desalination plants. I have been selected as a semifinalist for Modeling the Future Challenge and have connected with researchers from the desalination team at Santa Clara County Valley Water.
Exhale Wellness: Using AI and Technology to help high school students manage their stress more effectively.
I am Savir, the founder of 501(c)(3) non-profit Exhale Wellness. I am currently developing a prototype of an online toolkit designed to help under-resourced high school students manage stress. By integrating tech like Box Breathing, Soundscapes, and a Drawing Booth, I am bridging the gap between digital innovation and mental health. My project turns technology into a positive support system, offering accessible, scalable resources that empower students to build emotional resilience.
Creating an AI tutor for Sheltered Biology Students
Hi friends! My name is Coco Wang and my project is on creating an AI tutor for Sheltered Biology students. This project aims to create an AI tutor using Gemini Gem to provide ELD (English Language Development) student with tools to better understand Biology concepts, apply scientific reasoning and practice their English. This project is currently in the process of revising and testing, and will be ready to implement by the beginning of February.
Engineering Equity Kits
My name is Elaina Pan, and I am a junior at Monta Vista. My project focuses on creating engineering kits to help students from low socioeconomic backgrounds develop confidence and interest in future STEM careers. Currently, I am working on making and distributing affordable wind turbine kits and plan to host a workshop at a local community shelter to guide students through building their own wind turbines.
Neurodegeneration Toolkits for Low-Income Middle Schoolers
I'm Amanda Chen I'm working on a project to bring toolkits on neurodegeneration to low-income middle schoolers through free library events. Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, disproportionately impact individuals of lower socioeconomic backgrounds by over 40% more. The objective of my project is to increase access to cognitive health education, starting with youth. By teaching 50+ kids about how to take initiative through hands-on workshops, they can bring health tactics back to their communities, where they can amplify this mission by inspiring friends, families, and others to implement change.
Remote Water Quality Measuring System
I'm Anish and I'm working on creating an Arduino based water quality measuring system that works remotely and measures the different parameters of water quality. I'm focusing on the Stevens Creek watershed which currently faces pollution like mercury pollution and aim to spread awareness of this issue by publishing my data on a website.
Belong Together
This project promotes a sense of belonging for individuals with multicultural identities through inclusive community events and workshops. I have applied to local community grants and successfully organized planning sessions, outreach efforts, and partnerships to support this work. Through shared activities and guest speakers, participants build meaningful connections, celebrate diverse identities, and strengthen inclusion within the community.
Precision Medicine Towards Women's Multiple Sclerosis Progression Using Machine Learning Models
Hello, I am Toni Yutong Chen. I designed Ms. Neura, a multi-algorithm decision support system for medical professionals that predicts multiple sclerosis disability progression of women aged 20-50. I also made a website assisting patients in self-tracking MS symptoms and learning about MS on Ms. Neura’s blog page. The website is shared with over 800 MS patients and volunteers in the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. My project has been recognized by the National Science Teachers Association and showcased at the national conference.
FoodLifts
My name is Arjun Nathan, and I'm the founder of Foodlifts, a nonprofit youth-led organization that fights food waste and food insecurity by rescuing excess product from farmers' markets and delivering it to food banks and soup kitchens around the bay. The main reason I started Foodlifts was because of an experience I had when volunteering at a local food bank, seeing so many people lined up to get food, all while a couple of miles away, farmers were throwing away perfectly edible and nutritious fruits and vegetables. As of now, we have fed close to 100+ families and donated 538 lbs of produce to our two partners west valley community services and Martha's kitchen.
Cyber for Youth
Hi! My name is Ria Sethi. I started Cyber For Youth after experiencing online harassment. Today, Cyber For Youth is a teen-led nonprofit focused on educating students and their parents on best practices for online safety and security. So far, we’ve reached 5M+ people through media, engaged 32K+ participants through workshops, and helped drive district-wide, mandated curriculum and policy changes addressing cyberbullying.
Unraveling the Impact of Racial Disparities on Mental Health Access
Hi, I'm Sarah and my project analyzes racial disparities within mental health care. Through surveying 150 youth in the United States, I aim to publish a research paper providing deeper insight into the gaps in mental health care that remain for youth of color. This information will be provided to nonprofits and mental health organizations, informing how they guide their programs to impact youth from diverse backgrounds.
Integrating Genomic, Epigenetic, and Immunologic Targets into Molecular Precision Medicine for Acute Myeloid Leukemia
My name is Harshita, and my research project is about "Integrating Genomic, Epigenetic, and Immunologic Targets into Molecular Precision Medicine for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)". I pursued this project to better understand how molecular insights can translate into more effective and personalized therapies for AML patients. I wrote a research abstract based on transcriptomic data analysis of human AML cells, investigating how gene-expression patterns could inform improved therapeutic strategies and precision medicine. My paper was accepted to the International American Society of Hematology (ASH) Conference.
ViT-YOLO Model for Mapping Brazil Nut Tree Conservation Zones
Hi! I am Shyam Palaniappan Thiyagarajan and I am junior in Monta Vista High School. My project focuses on designing and training a Vision Transformer Model along with YOLO for segmentation and detecting moving objects. The purpose of the model is to find accurate locations of places where Brazil Nut Trees need conservation efforts. The model uses high resolution images to find area that need conservation and this model can help scientists, conservation organizations, and local agencies in the Amazon Rainforest to prioritize area that need protection and to guide reforestation efforts.
Interactive science kits in low socioeconomic schools
Hi, my name is Shreya Rao, and this year I am centering my project on interactive science kits for lower socio-economic students. I am currently collaborating with a school on the outskirts of San Francisco to appropriately design lessons for the students. My goal is to distribute these science kits and give a lecture through a webinar or an in-person lecture.
How the ratio of resources between prosecutors and public defenders influence Wrongful Convictions
Hi! My name is Aanya Padhi, and I am a sophomore. My research project asks how the ratio of resources between prosecutors and public defenders influences wrongful conviction outcomes. This project allows me to take an interdisciplinary approach, combining my interest in law with data science to analyze real-world patterns. Looking ahead, I plan to write a research paper and present my findings to professionals to support reform efforts and bring attention to this huge systemic issue.
Utilizing Aliivibrio Fischeri to Rapidly Detect Bacterial Cultures
Conducted independent research developing a rapid detection method for infectious bacterial cultures using the bioluminescent bacterium Aliivibrio fischeri and a photospectrometer. By measuring changes in light emission, the system detected bacterial presence in under 25 minutes, offering a faster alternative to traditional culturing techniques. I also prepared a detailed research abstract and proposal in close collaboration with my AP Biology mentor.
Impact of Music on Neurodivergent Students
Hi! I am Mahati Prayaga, a junior in IRPD. My project is about understanding how different music genres impact the heart rate and emotional states in neurodivergent students. Inspired by my experiences with someone close to me, I surveyed neurodivergent students and conducted interviews to get input for developing a prototype app that uses an Apple Watch to track heart rate and plays music based on the heart rate or reported emotion. My goal is to help neurodivergent teens focus, engage, and unlock their potential, enhancing their overall learning experience!
Accessing the Readiness and Perceptions of AI in Healthcare
Hello, I'm Trishia Khandelwal, a senior in IRPD. My project this year centers on understanding how AI is currently used in healthcare and identifying ways to make its adoption more practical and reliable, bridging the gap between technical development and practical implementation. I’m interviewing medical professionals and AI researchers to gain insight into AI’s effectiveness, challenges, and emerging advancements. Through this, I hope to shed light on key barriers to AI adoption and how they might be addressed.
FCHome - Finding Care Home
My name is Manan Dua, and I built FCHome, a mobile platform that removes transportation and eligibility barriers for unhoused youth. FCHome connects users to real-time shelter, food, and clinic resources while issuing free transit passes. The platform aims to support over 500 transit passes and serve 100+ youth in the near future. FCHome won the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for California’s 18th District.
The Med Magazine
I'm Madhav Nagpal and I am taking an initiative to inform citizens regarding the AI usage in their medical diagnosis, specifically for complex diseases that are difficult to diagnose such as lung cancers. The main reason I chose to undertake this project is because about 50% of all patients are unaware about the fact that AI is being used to diagnose them recently. I believe that everybody has the right to know all the facts regarding their health, including the means of their diagnosis. Through this initiative, I aim to empower patients with information, ensuring everyone is up to date with technologies that shape up the present and future of their health.
Impact of Music on Neurodivergent Students
Hi! I am Mahati Prayaga, a junior in IRPD. My project is about understanding how different music genres impact the heart rate and emotional states in neurodivergent students. Inspired by my experiences with someone close to me, I surveyed neurodivergent students and conducted interviews to get input for developing a prototype app that uses an Apple Watch to track heart rate and plays music based on the heart rate or reported emotion. My goal is to help neurodivergent teens focus, engage, and unlock their potential, enhancing their overall learning experience!
Accessing the Readiness and Perceptions of AI in Healthcare
Hello, I'm Trishia Khandelwal, a senior in IRPD. My project this year centers on understanding how AI is currently used in healthcare and identifying ways to make its adoption more practical and reliable, bridging the gap between technical development and practical implementation. I’m interviewing medical professionals and AI researchers to gain insight into AI’s effectiveness, challenges, and emerging advancements. Through this, I hope to shed light on key barriers to AI adoption and how they might be addressed.
Beyond Caller ID
My name is Saanj, and I founded Beyond Caller ID last year with the goal of empowering seniors to recognize and defend themselves from social engineering scams. During the first phase, I developed a framework that analyzed prosodic and temporal features to detect Vishing calls. Through this, I won an Honorable Mention award at the 2025 Synopsis Science Fair. This year, I am expanding Beyond Caller ID’s impact by focusing on community education. The second phase centers on hosting engaging, supportive workshops that help seniors build confidence while navigating online spaces, through interactive lessons and hands-on toolkits with educational games.
UnLIMBited Prosthetics
My name is Mira Ram and I am working on creating a centralized platform for increasing lower-limb prosthetics accessibility through 3D printing methods. Recently, my project received a grant from National Geographic for $4,000, and we are working to partner with more organizations for potential partnerships and currently collecting feedback from professionals in the prosthetics, and mechanical engineering fields.
Impact of Music on Neurodivergent Students
Hi! I am Mahati Prayaga, a junior in IRPD. My project is about understanding how different music genres impact the heart rate and emotional states in neurodivergent students. Inspired by my experiences with someone close to me, I surveyed neurodivergent students and conducted interviews to get input for developing a prototype app that uses an Apple Watch to track heart rate and plays music based on the heart rate or reported emotion. My goal is to help neurodivergent teens focus, engage, and unlock their potential, enhancing their overall learning experience!
Accessing the Readiness and Perceptions of AI in Healthcare
Hello, I'm Trishia Khandelwal, a senior in IRPD. My project this year centers on understanding how AI is currently used in healthcare and identifying ways to make its adoption more practical and reliable, bridging the gap between technical development and practical implementation. I’m interviewing medical professionals and AI researchers to gain insight into AI’s effectiveness, challenges, and emerging advancements. Through this, I hope to shed light on key barriers to AI adoption and how they might be addressed.
The Action-Gap in Environmental Sustainability & Awareness
For my project in IRPD I'm researching the action-gap present in regards to environmental awareness and sustainability, specifically exploring how this issue is addressed within youth. I believe youth empowerment is a powerful strategy to drive environmental action because it would address the 3 most important problems that cause the action gap: awareness, interest, and agency. Now after conducting interviews and collecting data, I hope to hold a community event to address my focus question. I also qualified as a semi-finalist for the Modeling the Future Challenge related to environmental climate disasters.
Graph Neural Network to Identify and Predict Specific Endophenotypes of Seizures
Hello, my name is Ashwanth, and my project is about being able to categorize, predict, and detect certain seizure conditions with the use of an AI model. It is implemented into a website, with anyone from the public being able to access it anytime, for any concerns or if they wish to know what kind of seizure they are most likely vulnerable to. My project is meant for identification and prediction, since it matches data that the user gives to data stored within the model.
Impact of Music on Neurodivergent Students
Hi! I am Mahati Prayaga, a junior in IRPD. My project is about understanding how different music genres impact the heart rate and emotional states in neurodivergent students. Inspired by my experiences with someone close to me, I surveyed neurodivergent students and conducted interviews to get input for developing a prototype app that uses an Apple Watch to track heart rate and plays music based on the heart rate or reported emotion. My goal is to help neurodivergent teens focus, engage, and unlock their potential, enhancing their overall learning experience!
Accessing the Readiness and Perceptions of AI in Healthcare
Hello, I'm Trishia Khandelwal, a senior in IRPD. My project this year centers on understanding how AI is currently used in healthcare and identifying ways to make its adoption more practical and reliable, bridging the gap between technical development and practical implementation. I’m interviewing medical professionals and AI researchers to gain insight into AI’s effectiveness, challenges, and emerging advancements. Through this, I hope to shed light on key barriers to AI adoption and how they might be addressed.
TheraBeat AI
I am Suhani Sharma, and I am currently a junior at MV! To fuse my passions in Music and Computer Science to create an impact on my community, my goal is to make Music Therapy more accessible to a wide audience that will significantly benefit from it, including those who may not be able to afford traditional therapy. TheraBeat AI will offer personalized support for individuals facing mental health issues and recommend music genres that improve the user’s mental well-being using a Machine Learning model.
MEARI Magazine
I'm Giljoon, and my project, MEARI, is an online literary magazine that publishes poems alongside their drafts to showcase the writing process and serve as a resource for young writers. This year, I'm furthering this mission by building a community of writers through MEARI. We were one of eleven magazines recognized in Chill Subs' "Promising New Magazines of 2024" listicle, and I was named a YoungArts Winner with Distinction in Writing. My poems have been published in several national journals.
Impact of Music on Neurodivergent Students
Hi! I am Mahati Prayaga, a junior in IRPD. My project is about understanding how different music genres impact the heart rate and emotional states in neurodivergent students. Inspired by my experiences with someone close to me, I surveyed neurodivergent students and conducted interviews to get input for developing a prototype app that uses an Apple Watch to track heart rate and plays music based on the heart rate or reported emotion. My goal is to help neurodivergent teens focus, engage, and unlock their potential, enhancing their overall learning experience!
Accessing the Readiness and Perceptions of AI in Healthcare
Hello, I'm Trishia Khandelwal, a senior in IRPD. My project this year centers on understanding how AI is currently used in healthcare and identifying ways to make its adoption more practical and reliable, bridging the gap between technical development and practical implementation. I’m interviewing medical professionals and AI researchers to gain insight into AI’s effectiveness, challenges, and emerging advancements. Through this, I hope to shed light on key barriers to AI adoption and how they might be addressed.