Aarush Tutiki ’26 was one of 48 students recognized for his work – ICEFAB-Nano: An Integrated Computational-Experimental Framework to Accelerate the Development of Highly Biofunctional Nanotherapeutics for Healthy and Cancerous Applications – at the 63rd National Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS). Aarush placed second, earning an $8,000 scholarship, in the chemistry oral presentations category.
JSHS is sponsored by the Department of Defense (DoD) and administered by the National Science Teaching Association. This year’s National JSHS event took place April 22-26 at the Westfields Marriott Washington Dulles in Chantilly, Virginia. The event welcomed 239 of the brightest high school STEM students from across the country, their teachers, and JSHS university partners. Esteemed judging panels of scientists from the Department of Defense selected the top presenters in each of the eight categories.
“Each year, the students at JSHS redefine the possibilities in STEM,” said Winnie Boyle, Senior Director of Competitions, NSTA. “Their groundbreaking research and unwavering curiosity inspire us all, and we are honored to support their academic journeys with scholarships and awards.”
The National JSHS competition awarded 48 national winners, selected from students who first presented their original research at one of 49 regional symposia held at universities and colleges across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and DoDEA schools worldwide. The top five students from each region were invited to compete at the National JSHS event as national finalists. Of these five, the top two finalists competed in oral presentations for the chance to win scholarships ranging from $4,000 to $12,000, and the remaining three finalists competed in the poster competition for a chance to win cash awards. In total, the National JSHS event awarded $192,000 in scholarships and $10,800 in cash awards to the national winners.
“JSHS is a testament to the creativity and determination of young researchers nationwide. It is an honor to celebrate these bright young minds as they push the boundaries of scientific discovery and innovation. Congratulations to this year’s national winners, whose hard work and passion for research are commendable. We look forward to seeing the impact they will have on the future of science and technology,” said NSTA Interim Chief Executive Officer Bob Lay.
