Research & Accolades

Award-winning work across space biology, CRISPR, artificial intelligence, mathematics, aerospace science, and STEM communication.

Aryash Shyam is a youth innovator, student researcher, science communicator, public-radio host, and educator whose work connects scientific discovery with real-world impact. His projects include a cell-free CRISPR-Cas13 diagnostic designed for microgravity, an AI-powered robotic system for chemical-free weed control, computational optimization of CRISPR guide-RNA arrays, and documentary research examining the ethics of gene editing.

Across national competitions, science fairs, broadcasting, filmmaking, and peer education, Aryash combines technical inquiry with a commitment to making complex ideas understandable and useful. His accomplishments span science and engineering, competitive mathematics, aerospace writing, historical research, educational leadership, and community service.

SPACE BIOLOGY · MOLECULAR DIAGNOSTICS

Genes in Space — 2026 Junior Scientist Award

How can molecular diagnostics remain reliable beyond Earth?

Aryash received a 2026 Genes in Space Junior Scientist Award for his proposal, “Validating a Cell-Free CRISPR Fluorescent RNA Diagnostic in Microgravity.” The 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 Aryash as one of five 2026 Junior Scientist Award recipients from 130 applications submitted by seventh- and eighth-grade students

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE · ROBOTICS · SUSTAINABILITY

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

Aryash was named Pennsylvania’s 2025 State Merit Winner in the 3M Young Scientist Challenge for GreenBeam, an AI-powered robotic system designed to identify and eliminate weeds without chemical herbicides.

GreenBeam combines artificial intelligence, computer vision, robotic targeting, and laser technology to distinguish weeds from surrounding plants and treat them precisely. The project explores a more sustainable approach to weed management by reducing unnecessary chemical use while limiting disturbance to healthy grass and vegetation.

The recognition placed Aryash among the young scientists honored nationally by the 3M Young Scientist Challenge for developing inventive solutions to real-world problems.

COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY · GENEtic algorithms

CRISPR Research — PJAS, LVSF and DVSF Honors

Aryash’s research project, “Evolving Stability: A Genetic Algorithm for Combinatorial Optimization of Multiplexed CRISPR gRNA Arrays,” applies mathematics and computational optimization to a central challenge in gene editing: selecting combinations of guide RNAs that perform effectively while limiting undesirable interactions.

Instead of evaluating one guide RNA at a time, the project treats multiplexed guide-RNA design as a combinatorial optimization problem. Aryash developed a genetic-algorithm framework to search large numbers of possible arrays and identify stronger candidate configurations.

The research earned first place at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science regional competition and advanced to the state competition at Penn State University, where Aryash received first place and a perfect score. 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

Aryash 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 directly affected by emerging genetic technologies, the film considers 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 Aryash’s commitment to science communication that is technically informed, accessible, and deeply human.

SCIENCE COMMUNICATION · PUBLIC RADIO

Host of NPR’s Teen Scientist

Aryash was selected to host Teen Scientist, a nationwide NPR radio program that brings a young researcher’s perspective to major questions in science and technology.

Through conversations with leading scientists, university researchers, engineers, physicians, and innovators, Aryash explores subjects including artificial intelligence, space medicine, climate science, mathematics, the brain, biotechnology, education, and the future of human discovery.

Teen Scientist began through WDIY, the Lehigh Valley’s NPR member station, and expands Aryash’s work as a science communicator from digital media and documentary filmmaking to national public radio and podcast audiences.

TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION · EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP

2026 PETE&C Technology Student of the Year

The Pennsylvania Educational Technology Expo and Conference named Aryash its 2026 Technology Student of the Year.

The award recognizes outstanding student achievement, technology-driven innovation, and meaningful contributions to educational technology. Aryash 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.

His work demonstrates how technology can support experimentation, widen access to education, and help students turn ideas into practical projects.

AEROSPACE SCIENCE · SCIENTIFIC WRITING

First Place — 2026 NASA AIAA Space Systems Essay Contest

Aryash won first place in the 2026 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Space Systems Technical Committee Student Essay Contest.

The aerospace competition evaluates student writing for originality, scientific reasoning, logical development, realism, and clarity. Aryash’s winning essay demonstrated his ability to examine complex space-system challenges and communicate a technically grounded argument to an expert audience.

As an AIAA member, he continues to explore the intersection of aerospace engineering, scientific writing, space biology, and the future of human exploration

GLOBAL ESSAY WRITING · CRITICAL THINKING

2026 John Locke Global Essay Prize — Three Essays Shortlisted

All three essays Aryash submitted to the 2026 John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize were selected for the international shortlist.

The essays examined challenging questions across multiple academic disciplines and were evaluated for knowledge, evidence, originality, critical analysis, structure, and persuasive reasoning. As a shortlisted writer, Aryash was invited to the Institute’s invitation-only academic conference and awards dinner in London, where the competition’s prize recipients are announced.

The John Locke Institute’s official competition information states that entries are judged by senior academics drawn from leading universities, including Oxford, Cambridge, Harvard, Princeton, and Stanford.

COMPETITIVE MATHEMATICS · NATIONAL RECOGNITION

AMC 8 Honor Roll of Distinction

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

His mathematical interests extend beyond individual contests. He competes with the Lehigh Valley ARML team in the American Regions Mathematics League and earned first place in the North South Foundation Mathematics Competition.



Aryash also applies mathematics to research, using optimization, algorithms, combinatorics, and computational modeling to investigate problems in CRISPR design and biological systems.

COMPETITIVE MATHEMATICS · TEAM LEADERSHIP

MATHCOUNTS Captain and Two-Time Gold Level Video Challenge Honoree

Aryash 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.

He 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.

Aryash also led his team to national Gold Level Video Challenge recognition in both 2025 and 2026. The projects required students to transform mathematical concepts into original, accurate, and engaging explanatory videos—combining problem-solving with writing, performance, animation, and digital production.

LANGUAGE & LITERACY · COMPETITIVE SPELLING

Scripps Regional and Pennsylvania Spelling Bee Finalist

Aryash earned second place at the 2025 Diamond City Regional Spelling Bee, an official regional qualifier within the Scripps National Spelling Bee program.

The result complemented his consecutive second-place finishes in Pennsylvania-level spelling competition in 2024 and 2025. His success reflects sustained study of vocabulary, word origins, pronunciation patterns, language structure, and etymology.

Competitive spelling has strengthened the same precision in language that Aryash applies to scientific writing, documentary narration, radio interviews, and public communication.

ACADEMIC DISTINCTION · ADVANCED LEARNING

Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth Scholar

Aryash has 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 his performance across mathematics, science, analytical reasoning, writing, and independent study. His academic work consistently crosses 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, Aryash leads initiatives centered on scholarship, leadership, service, character, and citizenship.

His 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.

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

STEM EDUCATION · DIGITAL LEARNING

Founder of RacingGecko

Aryash founded RacingGecko, a digital STEM-learning platform and YouTube channel created to help young students build confidence in coding, mathematics, artificial intelligence, and problem-solving.

Through explanatory videos, demonstrations, projects, and accessible lessons, RacingGecko breaks complex technical ideas into steps that younger learners can understand and apply.

The platform reflects Aryash’s belief that meaningful innovation should not remain confined to competitions or research reports. Knowledge becomes more valuable when it is shared clearly and used to help other students begin creating for themselves.

MATHEMATICS EDUCATION · PEER MENTORSHIP

AMC 10 and MATHCOUNTS Instructor

Aryash helps younger students strengthen their mathematical reasoning as an AMC 10 and MATHCOUNTS club instructor.

His instruction emphasizes understanding rather than memorization, helping students recognize patterns, test strategies, explain their reasoning, and become more comfortable with unfamiliar problems.

He also mentors children ages five to eight in foundational mathematics, encouraging curiosity and confidence at an age when many students are just beginning to form their relationship with STEM.

HISTORICAL RESEARCH · NATIONAL RECOGNITION

National History Day and Smithsonian Recognition

Aryash served as lead researcher for an exhibit on the Great Depression that represented Pennsylvania at the 2024 National History Day competition.

The exhibit was also showcased at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, bringing the team’s historical research to a broader public audience. The project required primary-source research, evidence evaluation, historical interpretation, exhibit design, and oral presentation.

In 2025, Aryash 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

Aryash has received a United States Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition, along with commendations from government leaders in Pennsylvania.

These honors recognize a record that extends beyond academic awards to include leadership, science education, community involvement, and public service.

His 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

Aryash’s interest in science began at age five through a fascination with NASA’s Mars Curiosity Rover.

His early study and enthusiasm for Mars exploration earned him a NASA Mars Exploration Medallion, presented by NASA’s Director of Mars Exploration. The recognition marked the beginning of a continuing interest in space science that later expanded into aerospace writing, public communication, and molecular-biology research designed for microgravity.

Curious About Aryash's Work?

Whether you're a journalist, or a fellow scientist, Aryash welcomes the conversation. Visit the Connect page to send a message, request a press kit, or learn more about any of these projects.