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President Obama Celebrates Middle-School STEM Innovators

October 22, 2013 at 12:58 PM ET by Danielle Carnival and Randy Paris
Summary: 
Last month, President Obama met with 30 of the Nation’s top scientists and inventors—amazing middle schoolers who have paved the way for major breakthroughs in medicine, chemistry, computing, and more…but aren’t yet old enough to drive.These remarkable students have sequenced DNA to determine the genetic cause of a fatal lung condition; invented a more efficient diagnostics test to detect dengue virus; and built a computer that emits smells on cue.

POTUS Broadcomm MASTERS STEM Event

President Barack Obama greets the 2013 Broadcom MASTERS (Math, Applied Science, Technology, and Engineering for Rising Stars) finalists in the Rose Garden, Sept. 30, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza) September 30, 2013.

Last month in the Rose Garden, President Obama met with 30 of the Nation’s top scientists, engineers, and inventors—amazing middle schoolers who have paved the way for major breakthroughs in medicine, chemistry, computing, and more…but aren’t yet old enough to drive.

These remarkable students have sequenced DNA to determine the genetic cause of a fatal lung condition; invented a cheaper, more efficient diagnostics test to detect dengue virus; and built a computer that emits smells—such as the scent of cinnamon—on cue.

These 6 – 8th graders are finalists in the 2013 Broadcom MASTERS competition, which seeks out the most impressive middle school projects in math, applied science, technology, and engineering. The finalists were in Washington, DC for the last round of competitive judging of their research projects.

President Obama has emphasized time and again today’s young inventors, creators, builders, and discoverers hold tomorrow’s promise for addressing the grand challenges of the 21st century.

“When students excel in math and science, they help America compete for the jobs and industries of the future,” he said in an announcement of last year’s White House Science Fair.

That’s why the President kicked off a national campaign to produce 100,000 exceptional new STEM teachers, and one million more STEM graduates in the next decade. And that’s why he is committed to recognizing and celebrating all-star STEM students at the White House, just as he congratulates championship athletes.

Please join us in applauding these impressive students and join the conversation about inspiring today’s young STEM innovators by following @whitehouseostp on Twitter; and by visiting the White House Educate to Innovate website.

Danielle Carnival is a Senior Policy Advisor at OSTP and Randy Paris is a Confidential Assistant at OSTP