Teen Builds Space‑Healing Device and Wins Big Science Prize

An 18‑year‑old from San Diego has earned a major scholarship after creating a gadget that mimics weightlessness and studies how red light can speed up wound repair. She was part of a national science contest that draws over 2, 600 students across the country. Her interest started when her family used a blue‑light tool to clean groceries during the pandemic, and later a red‑light mask for skin care sparked curiosity about light’s effect on biology. Using small, regenerative worms as a model, she designed a “clinostat” that simulates microgravity. She carefully handled the worms, photographed them each day, and tracked how well they healed under different lighting conditions. She later expanded her experiments to human cells with a neighbor’s laboratory.The competition held in Washington, D. C. , required finalists to present their work and answer rapid science questions. The young researcher met with scientists from many disciplines, asking what makes a good scientist. Answers ranged from joy in discovery to the habit of asking new questions. She has not yet chosen a college, but the experience made her eager to explore many fields, especially medicine. The scholarship eases concerns about student debt and gives her more freedom to pursue an M. D. –PhD path. Seeing peers work so passionately has been inspiring, especially amid worries about research funding and global conflict. The event highlighted not just scientific achievements but also the mindset that drives future innovators.