Running Brushy Middle School student Siddharth Vazhkudai has been selected as a top 30 finalist in the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, the nation’s premier STEM competition for middle school students. 

Vazhkudai’s project, “AI-Integrated Model To Predict the Energy Consumption of Extra-Terrestrial Colonies” came to be from a fascination with energy conservation that began when he came across a museum exhibit years ago. “It was a game where one managed energy sources to sustain a moderately large city,” Vazhkudai said. “I loved it. That night, I started looking up how different energy sources work and how they’re used to power things.”

That early curiosity later expanded into an interest in space, especially colonies on Mars. “When I learned about the science fair, I wanted to combine those two passions—energy and space,” Vazhkudai said.

For his project, Vazhkudai designed a computer model capable of predicting the energy needs of a martian colony. Using Python, he built analytical models and integrated them with artificial intelligence, training the system on Earth environments such as deserts and Antarctic research stations. This allowed the AI to adjust energy consumption and resource allocation in ways that could support life in extreme conditions. His model, “AIM-BASE,” can switch technologies under different scenarios and suggest efficient strategies, such as reducing heating demands, to conserve resources. Vazhkudai hopes that models like his could one day guide sustainable living on Mars.

Throughout the process, Vazhkudai says that guidance and encouragement from his teachers kept him on track to make it this far in the competition. “My science teachers, Ms. Wingate and Ms. Carrel, have encouraged me from the beginning to participate in these competitions, helped me keep up with deadlines, guided me through the process, and provided an environment where I could thrive.”

From nearly 1,900 contestants nationwide, Vazhudkai’s project stood out to a panel of distinguished scientists and engineers, earning him a top spot among the 30 finalists. Next up, Vazhkudai will next compete in Washington, DC for the top award of $25,000 from October 24 – 29 after a rigorous competition that will test students’ abilities in STEM, critical thinking, communication, creativity and collaboration.  

#1LISD congratulates Siddharth on this remarkable achievement and wishes him the best as he competes on the national stage!