A Wilton student has been named as a finalist for the 2017 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge.  Anika Bhagavatula, from Middlebrook Middle School is among the top 10. 

The competition is for students in grades 5-8, who use scientific thinking to create an innovation that will improve lives in their local communities or globally. 

Anika developed a solution to clean up oil spills using a combination of natural materials including orange peels and pomegranate husks. Her research proved this mixture can absorb solvents two-to-three times its weight.  She will partner with a 3M scientist through a summer mentorship program, where they will meet virtually to turn her concept into a reality. 

Anika and the other finalists will compete on October 16-17 during a live event at the 3M Innovation Center in Minnesota.