This year, 25 top students from 20 countries gathered for a week in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania from 13 – 18 May for the Broadcom MASTERS program. Lalitha’s science project, ‘Stink Map: Monitoring Environmental Pollution by Detecting and Classifying Odors using a Simple and Easy-to-use Mobile Probe’ earned her the honor of participating in this esteemed program. Read about her experience below.
Broadcom MASTERS (Math, Applied Science, Technology and Engineering for Rising Stars), is a premier science and engineering competition for Middle School students. The top 10% of Grades 6, 7 & 8 students participating in various science fairs across the country are nominated to enter this competition. 30 finalists (from 300 selected entries) present their research work, compete in team hands-on STEM challenges, demonstrating their skills in critical thinking, collaboration,communication and creativity.
Lalitha:
When I first walked into the Broadcom MASTERS orientation, I felt like I had stepped onto another planet. There were so many Middle Schoolers from so many different countries! As one of two Indians representing India, I was pretty nervous initially to talk to other delegates but I overcame that once I started interacting with them. I was fascinated and amazed by their science projects – from creating citizen science tools to narcolepsy support pillows to furniture made from peanut shell husk, there was an astonishing range of new ideas.
As the week went on, I acquainted myself with the delegates, and met some new people also: the crew of the Rivers of Steel ship, who loved to research microorganisms in water; the professors at CMU, who helped me build a radio; and of course, the Broadcom MASTERS team, who were totally awesome.
As I leave Middle School, it’s time to say goodbye to Broadcom MASTERS. However, the experience I got from this amazing trip was incredible. In fact, the only thing I missed was Inventuring!
The post Lalitha Pingali, (Grade 9) represents India at Broadcom M.A.S.T.E.R.S. in Pittsburgh! appeared first on Inventure Academy.