Washington, D.C., September 18, 2025
News Summary
Matthew Kuo and Paola Lumbreras, two students from North Texas, have reached the finalist stage in the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge. This nationally recognized middle school STEM competition will hold its Finals Week in Washington, D.C., where the finalists will present their projects and compete for cash awards and prizes, including the prestigious $25,000 Thermo Fisher Scientific ASCEND Award. The challenge showcases the significance of STEM education and the potential of young innovators.
Washington, D.C.
Two North Texas students have been named finalists in a national middle school STEM competition that will conclude with a Finals Week in the city. The Society for Science announced 30 finalists for the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC). The Thermo Fisher JIC Finals Week will take place in Washington, D.C. from October 24 to 29. Each finalist receives a $500 cash award and competes for various prizes, including the $25,000 Thermo Fisher Scientific ASCEND Award.
Overview and significance
This competition is recognized as America’s premier middle school STEM competition. Matthew Kuo and Paola Lumbreras, both students from North Texas, have made it to the finalist stage. The selection of finalists was made by a nationwide panel of scientists, engineers, and educators. These finalists were chosen from the Top 300 Junior Innovators announced earlier this month.
What finalists will do at Finals Week
A panel of judges will evaluate finalists on their scientific research and skills in communication, creativity, and collaboration through team challenges. The event will assess both individual research projects and the ability to work with peers under timed, judged conditions. The structure aims to measure scientific rigor alongside practical skills such as presenting results and solving problems in teams.
North Texas finalists and their projects
Matthew Kuo’s project is titled “Factors Affecting Fuel Cell Energy Efficiency.”
Paola Lumbreras’ project is titled “Natural Antioxidants Against Alcohol/Nicotine Fetal Development Damage.”
Selection process and eligibility
The JIC reaches approximately 60,000 students every year through the Society’s Affiliated Fair Network. Students who place in the top 10% of their local affiliated science fairs are eligible for the Thermo Fisher JIC. The competition is the only national middle school STEM competition that involves affiliated science fairs as a vital part of the STEM talent pipeline. The nationwide panel that selected the finalists reviewed work from the Top 300 Junior Innovators to identify the most promising projects and participants for the Finals Week.
Awards, recognition and organizational comment
Each finalist receives a baseline cash award and will compete for larger monetary and recognition prizes, including the $25,000 ASCEND Award provided by Thermo Fisher Scientific. Maya Ajmera, President & CEO of the Society for Science, praised the finalists for their creativity and innovation. Organizers emphasize that the challenge underscores the value of training and recognizing young STEM talent.
Context and goals
The challenge emphasizes the importance of investing in STEM opportunities for young people. By connecting local affiliated science fairs to a national competition, the program intends to strengthen the pipeline of young scientists and engineers and to provide hands-on research experience, mentorship exposure, and public presentation practice. The finalist experience combines individual research recognition with collaborative, judged activities to prepare participants for later academic and professional STEM pathways.
Next steps for finalists
Finalists will travel to Washington, D.C. for Finals Week from October 24 to 29. During that time they will present their projects, take part in team-based challenges, and be evaluated by judges on multiple competencies. Awards and final placements will be announced at the conclusion of Finals Week.
FAQ
How many finalists were announced?
The Society for Science announced 30 finalists for the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (JIC).
What is the competition recognized as?
This competition is recognized as America’s premier middle school STEM competition.
Which North Texas students made the finalists?
Matthew Kuo and Paola Lumbreras, both students from North Texas, have made it to the finalist stage.
Who selected the finalists?
The selection of finalists was made by a nationwide panel of scientists, engineers, and educators.
From what pool were the finalists chosen?
These finalists were chosen from the Top 300 Junior Innovators announced earlier this month.
When and where will Finals Week take place?
The Thermo Fisher JIC Finals Week will take place in Washington, D.C. from October 24 to 29.
What will judges evaluate?
A panel of judges will evaluate finalists on their scientific research and skills in communication, creativity, and collaboration through team challenges.
How many students does the JIC reach each year?
The JIC reaches approximately 60,000 students every year through the Society’s Affiliated Fair Network.
Who is eligible for the Thermo Fisher JIC?
Students who place in the top 10% of their local affiliated science fairs are eligible for the Thermo Fisher JIC.
What makes this competition unique?
The competition is the only national middle school STEM competition that involves affiliated science fairs as a vital part of the STEM talent pipeline.
What awards are available to finalists?
Each finalist receives a $500 cash award and competes for various prizes, including the $25,000 Thermo Fisher Scientific ASCEND Award.
What are the titles of the North Texas finalists’ projects?
Matthew Kuo’s project is titled “Factors Affecting Fuel Cell Energy Efficiency.”
Paola Lumbreras’ project is titled “Natural Antioxidants Against Alcohol/Nicotine Fetal Development Damage.”
Did Society leadership comment on the finalists?
Maya Ajmera, President & CEO of the Society for Science, praised the finalists for their creativity and innovation.
What broader point does the challenge make?
The challenge emphasizes the importance of investing in STEM opportunities for young people.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of finalists | 30 finalists |
| Finals Week location and dates | Washington, D.C.; October 24 to 29 |
| Local representation | Two North Texas students: Matthew Kuo and Paola Lumbreras |
| Project focus examples | Fuel cell energy efficiency; natural antioxidants and fetal development |
| Selection method | Chosen by a nationwide panel of scientists, engineers, and educators from the Top 300 Junior Innovators |
| Eligibility | Students in the top 10% of local affiliated science fairs |
| Annual reach | Approximately 60,000 students through the Society’s Affiliated Fair Network |
| Key awards | $500 cash award for each finalist; $25,000 Thermo Fisher Scientific ASCEND Award |
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Additional Resources
- Dallas Innovates: Two DFW Middle Schoolers Named as Finalists in Washington, D.C.-based Junior Innovators Challenge
- PR Newswire: Young Teen Entrepreneurs and Innovators from Junior Achievement Achieve National Recognition
- Dallas Innovates: North Texas Compass Partners with Schneider Electric
- Dallas Innovates: The Last Word – Ross Perot Jr. on North Texas Economy
- Coppell ISD: Article on Local Education Initiatives
- Wikipedia: Science Competition
- Google Search: STEM education competitions
- Google Scholar: Junior Innovators Challenge
- Encyclopedia Britannica: STEM
- Google News: STEM competitions
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