Innovative Minds: Shripriya Kalbhavi

Joaquin Miller Middle School | 8th grade | 13 years old

A Novel Method of Active Medication Delivery through Hydrogel-Forming Microneedle Arrays Utilizing the Belousov-Zhabotinsky Reaction

About the Idea

Meet Shripriya. She developed EasyBZ, a cost-effective microneedle patch that allows for self-automated drug delivery without pills or needles.

Why did you enter the 3M Young Scientist Challenge?

I entered the 3M Young Scientist Challenge because I want to help change lives. I host a podcast called “Famous Personalities,” and as part of the theme of my show, I research women scientists and speak about their lives, achievements, and research. Scientific research and innovations have always interested me, and I find the scientists, especially doctors, all around me to be extremely inspiring because they work to help people every day. I want to gain experience and advice from a mentor to help improve peoples’ lives with my invention, BZ reaction-automated microneedle patches, by making their medication painless and more affordable, so that is why I entered the 3M Young Scientist Challenge.

What is your favorite invention of the last 100 years, and why?

My favorite invention of the last 100 years is the CRISPR Cas-9-guided gene editing. I believe that the pioneers of this invention are truly inspirational scientists who believe in changing the world for the better. CRISPR gene editing technology is precious yet inexpensive, and it could help cure genetic diseases in the near future. I believe that CRISPR has a lot of potential to save lives and help people, which is what I aspire to do when I pursue a career path.

In 15 years I hope to be...

Wading through my residency training after I finish med school so that I can fulfill my dream of becoming a practicing neurosurgeon. I have always felt a calling towards contributing to my community in the field of medicine, especially when it comes to neuroscience and womens’ health, and I would love the opportunity to perform precise work as a neurosurgeon.