Research & Accolades

Award-winning work across science, engineering, mathematics, research, writing, history, and STEM communication.

I'm Aryash Shyam, a student researcher, youth innovator, science communicator, public-radio host, and STEM educator. My work spans space biology, CRISPR, computational biology, artificial intelligence, robotics, mathematics, scientific writing, documentary filmmaking, and peer education.

My projects include a cell-free CRISPR-Cas13 RNA diagnostic designed for microgravity, GreenBeam's AI-powered robotic weed-treatment system, computational optimization of multiplexed CRISPR guide-RNA arrays, and documentary research on the ethics of gene editing. Across these projects, I focus on a common goal: investigate difficult questions carefully, build practical ideas, and make complex science understandable.

SPACE BIOLOGY · MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS

Genes in Space — 2026 Junior Scientist Award

How can molecular diagnostics remain reliable beyond Earth?

I received a 2026 Genes in Space Junior Scientist Award for my proposal, “Validating a Cell-Free CRISPR Fluorescent RNA Diagnostic in Microgravity.” My project investigates whether a freeze-dried, cell-free CRISPR-Cas13 system can be activated with water and produce a fluorescent signal when its target RNA is present.

The research connects space biology, molecular diagnostics, and astronaut health monitoring while also exploring how compact diagnostic systems could support testing in remote or resource-limited environments on Earth. Genes in Space selected me as one of five 2026 Junior Scientist Award recipients from 130 middle-school submissions.

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE · ROBOTICS · SUSTAINABILITY

GreenBeam — 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge Pennsylvania State Merit Winner

I was named Pennsylvania's 2025 State Merit Winner in the 3M Young Scientist Challenge for GreenBeam, the AI-powered robotic system I designed to identify and treat weeds without routine chemical herbicide spraying.

GreenBeam combines artificial intelligence, computer vision, robotic targeting, and precision laser technology. I designed and assembled the hardware, wrote the Python-based vision software, and integrated the control logic into a working prototype for residential lawns.

COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY · GENETIC ALGORITHMS

CRISPR Research — PJAS, LVSF and DVSF Honors

My research project, “Evolving Stability: A Genetic Algorithm for Combinatorial Optimization of Multiplexed CRISPR gRNA Arrays,” applies mathematics and computational optimization to a challenge in gene editing: selecting combinations of guide RNAs while accounting for the structure of the full RNA array.

Instead of evaluating one guide RNA at a time, I treat multiplexed guide-RNA design as a combinatorial optimization problem. I developed a Python genetic algorithm to search 465,192 possible arrays targeting KRAS, TP53, and EGFR.



The research earned first place at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science regional competition and first place with a perfect score at the PJAS state competition at Penn State University. It also won first place at the Lehigh Valley Science Fair and earned medal recognition at the Delaware Valley Science Fair.

DOCUMENTARY FILM · BIOETHICS · GENE EDITING

Editing Humanity: A CRISPR Conundrum

I created Editing Humanity: A CRISPR Conundrum, a documentary examining both the scientific promise and the ethical consequences of gene editing.

Through original interviews with scientists, university researchers, medical experts, and people affected by emerging genetic technologies, I explore questions that extend beyond how CRISPR works: Who should decide how it is used? Where should society draw ethical boundaries? How can innovation advance without overlooking human consequences?

The documentary received a State Award at the 2025 National History Day competition and reflects the kind of science communication I want to create: technically informed, accessible, and deeply human.

SCIENCE COMMUNICATION · PUBLIC RADIO

Host of NPR’s Teen Scientist

I host Teen Scientist on WDIY, Lehigh Valley Public Radio, an NPR member station, bringing a student's and researcher's perspective to major questions in science and technology.



Through conversations with leading scientists, university researchers, engineers, physicians, and innovators, I explore artificial intelligence, space medicine, climate science, mathematics, the brain, biotechnology, education, and the future of human discovery. Teen Scientist expands my science communication from digital media and documentary filmmaking to public radio and podcast audiences.

CREATIVE WRITING · AMERICAN HISTORY

2026 John Estey Student Writing Competition · Middle School Winner

I was named one of four 2026 Middle School winners of the John Estey Student Writing Competition, presented by the American Writers Museum, for my historical fiction piece, “The Weight of Lead.” The story is set in a Philadelphia print shop on July 4, 1776, and explores the tension between the Declaration of Independence’s promise of equality and the realities surrounding its publication.

The award includes a $1,000 prize, and my winning work is published by the American Writers Museum. The competition selected four winners in the Middle School category.

 STANDARDS · ENGINEERING · SCIENTIFIC WRITING

2026 ANSI Student Paper Competition · First Place, High School

I won first place in the high school category of the 2026 American National Standards Institute Student Paper Competition for my paper, “Designing Out Error: How ISO 80369 Turned a Deadly Universal Connector into a Life-Saving Standard.”

Drawing on my experience as a surgical patient at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, the paper examines how the ANSI/AAMI/ISO 80369 family of standards redesigned medical tubing connectors so incompatible systems cannot be accidentally connected, helping build patient safety directly into medical device design. ANSI officially identifies Aryash as the 2026 high-school first-place winner.

TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION · EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP

2026 PETE&C Technology Student of the Year

The Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo and Conference named me its 2026 Technology Student of the Year. The award recognizes outstanding student achievement, technology-driven innovation, and meaningful contributions to educational technology.

I was honored for using digital tools not simply as a user, but as a builder, educator, and problem-solver through scientific research, programming, digital communication, and STEM-learning initiatives.

AEROSPACE SCIENCE · SCIENTIFIC WRITING

First Place — 2026 NASA AIAA Space Systems Essay Contest

I won first place in the 2026 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Space Systems Technical Committee Student Essay Contest. My essay follows SN 1987A across observations from the Hubble Space Telescope and James Webb Space Telescope, showing how improved instruments, new wavelengths, and spectroscopy changed what scientists could learn from the same stellar explosion over time.

The competition evaluates student writing for originality, scientific reasoning, logical development, realism, and clarity.

GLOBAL ESSAY WRITING · CRITICAL THINKING

2026 John Locke Global Essay Prize — Two Very High Commendations & One High Commendation

All three essays I submitted to the 2026 John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize were selected for the international shortlist, and all three went on to receive commendation-level honors.

My Economics essay, “The Architecture of Dominance,” and Philosophy essay, “Moral Theater,” each received a Very High Commendation. My Science & Technology essay, “The Standard We Keep When No One Is Watching,” received a High Commendation.

The 2026 competition drew 100,227 contestants representing 191 nationalities. Earning recognition for every essay I entered, across three different disciplines, reflects the interdisciplinary approach I bring to questions involving economics, philosophy, science, technology, and public policy.

After all three essays were shortlisted, I was also invited to the John Locke Institute’s invitation-only Academic Conference and Global Essay Prize Awards Weekend in London in October 2026.

COMPETITIVE MATHEMATICS · NATIONAL RECOGNITION

AMC 8 Honor Roll of Distinction

I earned a place on the AMC 8 Honor Roll of Distinction, recognizing me among the strongest performers nationally in the American Mathematics Competitions.



My mathematical interests extend beyond individual contests. I compete with the Lehigh Valley ARML team and apply mathematics to research through optimization, algorithms, combinatorics, and computational modeling

COMPETITIVE MATHEMATICS · TEAM LEADERSHIP

MATHCOUNTS Captain and Two-Time Gold Level Video Challenge Honoree

I served as captain of the Lehigh Valley Academy MATHCOUNTS team during the 2024-2025 season and was selected to lead the team again for 2026-2027. I earned an individual Top 10 regional result, helped guide the team to a fifth-place finish, and contributed to Lehigh Valley Academy receiving the Rookie School Award.

I also led my team to national Gold Level Video Challenge recognition in both 2025 and 2026. The projects challenged us to turn mathematical concepts into original, accurate, and engaging explanatory videos using writing, performance, animation, and digital production.

LANGUAGE & LITERACY · COMPETITIVE SPELLING

Scripps Regional and Pennsylvania Spelling Bee Finalist

I earned second place at the 2025 Diamond City Regional Spelling Bee, an official regional qualifier within the Scripps National Spelling Bee program. That result complemented my consecutive second-place finishes in Pennsylvania-level spelling competition in 2024 and 2025.

Preparing for competitive spelling has pushed me to study vocabulary, word origins, pronunciation patterns, language structure, and etymology in depth. It has also strengthened the precision in language that I use in scientific writing, documentary narration, radio interviews, and public communication.

ACADEMIC DISTINCTION · ADVANCED LEARNING

Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth Scholar

I've been recognized as a scholar by the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth, a program that identifies and supports academically advanced students. The distinction reflects my work across mathematics, science, analytical reasoning, writing, and independent study.

I especially enjoy crossing traditional subject boundaries - connecting mathematics with biology, engineering with environmental science, and technical research with communication and ethics.

LEADERSHIP & SERVICE · YOUTH ADVOCACY

NJHS President and Outstanding Achievement Award Recipient

As the elected President of Lehigh Valley Academy's approximately 150-member National Junior Honor Society chapter, I lead initiatives centered on scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship.

My work includes coordinating student activities, supporting educational and charitable projects, encouraging member participation, and helping turn service ideas into organized initiatives with measurable community value.

I also received the 2026 NJHS Outstanding Achievement Award, including a $500 scholarship, in recognition of leadership, academic achievement, character, and service.

STEM EDUCATION · DIGITAL LEARNING

Founder of RacingGecko

I founded RacingGecko, a STEM-learning platform and YouTube channel, to help students build confidence in coding, mathematics, artificial intelligence, science, and problem-solving. Through explanatory videos, demonstrations, projects, and accessible lessons, I break complex technical ideas into steps that learners can understand and apply.

I believe knowledge becomes more valuable when it is shared clearly and helps other students begin creating for themselves.

MATHEMATICS EDUCATION · PEER MENTORSHIP

AMC 10 and MATHCOUNTS Instructor

I help younger students strengthen their mathematical reasoning through AMC 10 and MATHCOUNTS instruction. My teaching emphasizes understanding rather than memorization: recognizing patterns, testing strategies, explaining reasoning, and becoming more comfortable with unfamiliar problems.

I also mentor younger children in foundational mathematics, encouraging curiosity and confidence early in their relationship with STEM.

HISTORICAL RESEARCH · NATIONAL RECOGNITION

National History Day and Smithsonian Recognition

I served as lead researcher for an exhibit on the Great Depression that represented Pennsylvania at the 2024 National History Day competition. Our exhibit was also showcased at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History, bringing our historical research to a broader public audience.

In 2025, I returned to National History Day with Editing Humanity: A CRISPR Conundrum, earning a State Award for documentary research at the intersection of science, history, public policy, and ethics.

CIVIC RECOGNITION · COMMUNITY SERVICE

Congressional and Pennsylvania Recognition

I've received a United States Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition, along with commendations from government leaders in Pennsylvania. These honors recognize work that extends beyond academic awards to leadership, science education, community involvement, and public service.

My hands-on service has included organizing educational fundraisers, supporting youth-focused initiatives, and creating handmade cards for hospitalized children.

EARLY STEM ACHIEVEMENT · SPACE EXPLORATION

NASA Mars Exploration Medallion

My interest in science began at age five through a fascination with NASA's Mars Curiosity Rover. That early study and enthusiasm for Mars exploration earned me a NASA Mars Exploration Medallion, presented by NASA's Director of Mars Exploration

The recognition marked the beginning of an interest in space science that later expanded into aerospace writing, public communication, and molecular-biology research designed for microgravity.

Research & Accolades FAQs

Explore Aryash Shyam’s research in space biology, CRISPR, artificial intelligence, robotics, and mathematics, along with his major awards and academic honors.

Curious About Aryash's Work?

Whether you're a journalist, educator, researcher, or fellow student, I welcome the conversation. Visit the Connect page to send me a message, request a press kit, or learn more about any of these projects.