Society for Science recently announced the Top 300 Junior Innovators in the 2026 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC)—the nation’s premier science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) competition for middle school students. The Thermo Fisher JIC seeks to inspire young scientists, engineers and innovators to solve the world’s most intractable challenges. The Top 300 represent the best and brightest middle school STEM talent in the U.S. and its territories. The students, selected from 1,997 entrants, live in 34 states, Puerto Rico and Guam.
Congratulations to the three LRSEF students recognized with this incredible honor:
Knockwafel, Lincoln, Grade: 6th
School: Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic School
Affiliated Fair Name and ID: Louisville Regional Science and Engineering Fair (USKY02)
Project Title: Rusting Alaska: Salt’s Impact on Iron Oxidation and Precipitation
Mohammed, Hasnain, Grade: 6th
School: Nur Islamic School of Louisville
Affiliated Fair Name and ID: Kentucky Science and Engineering Fair (USKY50)
Project Title: Cancer Cell Growth & Natural Inhibitors
Williams, Miles, Grade: 8th
School: Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic School
Affiliated Fair Name and ID: Louisville Regional Science and Engineering Fair (USKY02)
Project Title: Exploring the Effects of Phototherapy on Stem Cells and Signaling