Big congratulations to Georgio (Grade 8) and Josh (Lesley Ellis Class of 2025) — both named among the Top 300 Junior Innovators in the 2025 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, the nation’s premier STEM competition for middle schoolers!

Their journey began right here at Lesley Ellis, where both placed in the top three of their grade levels at our school science fair last school year. From there, they advanced through the regional and state fairs, ultimately earning second place in their categories and a nomination to apply for this prestigious national competition — selected from nearly 1,900 students across the U.S.!

Georgio’s project explored how gravity affects plant growth. He designed and built a custom clinostat to simulate gravity on Earth, the Moon, Mars, and in space — and discovered that Martian gravity was most favorable for cress seed growth. His innovative work reflects the kind of deep curiosity and scientific thinking we cultivate every day at Lesley Ellis through our rich, inquiry-driven STEAM curriculum.

Josh’s project was titled “The Urbanized Vertical Axis Wind Turbine.” He designed a vertical axis wind turbine that could be built in the space between buildings in a city. He proposed that this was ideal because many cities have “wind corridors” where the wind travels faster in between buildings.

We’re so proud of both students and thrilled to see their creativity, perseverance, and love of science recognized on a national level. Finalists will be announced later this month — stay tuned!

@Society4Science @thermofisher