Aryash Shyam —
Young Scientist, NPR Host & STEM Founder
I'm a Lehigh Valley Freshman, host of Teen Scientist on WDIY, Lehigh Valley Public Radio / NPR, founder of GreenBeam AI robotics, and creator of the RacingGecko STEM YouTube channel. My mission is to make complex science feel human, accessible, and genuinely exciting — for curious listeners of every age.
WDIY, Lehigh Valley Public Radio · NPR
Genes in Space Junior Scientist Award
3M Young Scientist Challenge · State Merit
NASA AIAA Essay Contest · First Place
Member Lehigh Valley ARML Team
Who Is Aryash Shyam?
I'm a ninth grader in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania, and I spend most of my time at the intersection of science, technology, and storytelling. As the host and producer of Teen Scientist on WDIY, Lehigh Valley Public Radio / NPR, I sit down with leading researchers, scientists, and innovators every month, asking the questions a curious teenager would actually want answered. Beyond the mic, I founded GreenBeam, an AI-powered robotic system that uses computer vision and a precision laser to eliminate weeds without chemicals or herbicides. I also run RacingGecko, a STEM YouTube channel where I break down AI, coding, math, and science for learners of all ages. My research portfolio spans CRISPR gene-editing, Genes in Space microgravity diagnostics, computational gRNA optimization, and a NASA AIAA essay that earned first place. Whether you're a journalist, or a curious student, I invite you to explore the work and see where science can take you.
3×
Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters Excellence in Broadcasting Awards (2021, 2023, 2024)
60
Teen Scientist Episodes Aired
6+
National Honors & Competition Awards
2026
Genes in Space Junior Scientist Award Winner
Explore My Work
Four projects. One mission: make science matter.
Teen Scientist
NPR podcast on WDIY, Lehigh Valley Public Radio. Monthly 30-minute conversations with researchers, scientists, and innovators, entirely from a teenage perspective.
GreenBeam
AI-powered robotic weed control using computer vision and a precision laser. No chemicals, no herbicides. Founded by Aryash Shyam.
Watch
RacingGecko: a STEM education YouTube channel covering AI, coding, math, and science for curious learners.
Research & Projects
CRISPR gene-editing research, Genes in Space microgravity diagnostics, computational gRNA optimization, NASA AIAA essay, and a CRISPR documentary.
UPCOMING Episode
Can AI Really Transform Education?
with Dr. Justin Reich, MIT
It's 10:37 p.m., your essay is due tomorrow, and an AI chatbot offers you a thesis and a smarter sentence. Did it help you learn, or do the thinking for you? Host Aryash Shyam talks with MIT's Dr. Justin Reich about generative AI in the classroom, and why "is it cheating?" is the wrong question.
John Locke Institute 2026 Global Essay Prize: Shortlisted in All Three Categories
In 2026 I was named a shortlisted finalist in the John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize, one of the world’s most competitive academic essay competitions. My essays were shortlisted across all three categories I entered: Economics, Philosophy, and Science and Technology. In recognition, I’ve been invited to the black-tie Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner, and an invitation-only academic conference, in London this October, where final commendations, category winners, and the Grand Prize will be announced.
John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize · Economics, Philosophy, and Science & Technology
As Featured In
The Morning Call
Lehigh Valley News
WDIY, Lehigh Valley Public Radio
NPR
Let's Connect
Whether you're an admissions officer, a journalist, or a fellow STEM enthusiast, I'd love to hear from you — for collaborations, media inquiries, speaking requests, or just to say hello. Reach out and let's make something great together.