Finalists, Mentors and Judges
The 2023 3M Young Scientist Challenge Finalists and State Merit Winners have been announced!
Today’s Innovators
Get to know the diverse personalities of students, 3M Mentors, and others who have contributed their unique talents to the 3M Young Scientist Challenge. Use the tabs below to explore exciting ideas and inspirations from previous years’ challenges.
Ian Cummings
Senior AI/Machine Learning Engineer
A natural problem solver and leader, Ian develops technology with applications in today’s electronics and emerging technology for the future.
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Dr. Kannan Seshadri
3M Senior Product Development Specialist
Kannan is a serial inventor-innovator who thrives on translating new ideas and consumer insights to commercialization. His expertise in materials science and manufacturing brings a proven track record in product commercialization, new-to-world technology, and manufacturing process development.
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Dr. PJ Flanigan
Sr. Research Manager in the Biosciences Laboratory
A problem solver at heart, PJ coaches research teams to invent novel solutions using collaborations between chemistry, biology, and engineering. PJ enjoys managing experts with different technical backgrounds and values diverse perspectives.
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Dr. Ross Behling
3M Senior Research Specialist
As a chemical engineer with 10+ years of experience in 3M corporate research labs, Dr. Ross Behling has invented numerous pressure-sensitive adhesive products in handheld electronics, industrial assembly, and automotive bonding applications.
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Stephanie Owen
3M Specialist Advanced Product Development, Transportation and Electronics Business
Driven by her passion for the ever-expanding electronics industry, Stephanie’s expertise in product development, project management, and commercialization brings new ideas into realized products.
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Dr. Rohit Gupta
Research Specialist
As a highly motivated and technically proficient research specialist, Rohit develops next-generation products and processes to reduce and eliminate the use of solvents and hazardous chemicals.
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Dr. Döne Demirgöz
Advanced Research Specialist
Dr. Döne Demirgöz’s passion for science and engineering expands into many scientific areas at 3M. And when Dr. Demirgöz is not solving problems on the job, she’s inspiring and encouraging the next generation of young scientists through mentorship programs.
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Dr. Ani Upadhye
Advanced Research Specialist
Motivated by his desire to minimize human impact on climate change, Ani develops new technologies to reduce the carbon footprint of 3M manufacturing processes.
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Deborah Isabelle
Product Engineering Specialist, Abrasives
A problem solver and team player, Deborah Isabelle works on developing new products in 3M’s Automotive Aftermarket Division. Deborah enjoys volunteering and chairing 3M’s Science Encouragement Program.
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Dr. Mark Gilbertson
Senior Robotics and Automation Engineer
Mark Gilberston is a Senior Robotics and Automation Engineer in the Automotive and Aerospace Division at 3M.
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Tesha Alston Dampier
3M Senior Quality Engineer, Biopharmaceutical Purification Business
Through effective problem solving and opportunity-mining, Tesha Alston Dampier has excelled in various roles—from biochemistry to engineering—over the past 14 years at 3M.
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Dr. Patrick Zimmerman
3M Division Scientist
Patrick brings unique expertise and background to the automotive, adhesives, aerospace industries, and more. He has a wealth of knowledge and leadership skills and is a mentor to his teams and colleagues.
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Dr. Mary Caruso Dailey
3M Product Development Specialist
Dr. Mary Caruso Dailey has pursued innovation in product development roles at 3M as well as in her personal life where she empowers young people to discover new applications of science.
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Jeffrey Emslander
3M Corporate Scientist
From graphic films for vehicles and reflective materials on traffic signs to more energy-efficient construction materials, Jeffrey Emslander is helping create a greener planet.
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Dr. Ann Fornof
3M Senior Research Specialist
As an inventor with more than 25 granted patents, Dr. Ann Fornof brings practical knowledge of technology development to help 3M business divisions commercialize its innovative products.
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Dr. Vasav Sahni
3M Advanced Research Specialist
Vasav identifies disruptive ideas that lead to new adhesive technologies and products.
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Sara Frisco
3M Senior Product Development Engineer
Driven by her passion for disruptive technology platforms and innovation, Sara enjoys working on new product development, new technologies and intellectual property strategy.
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Jonah Shaver
Product Development Specialist
Protecting the sensors of an autonomous vehicle is like protecting one’s eyesight,” just ask Jonah Shaver, Ph.D. and product development specialist at 3M.
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Mary Brown
3M Division Scientist
With expertise in product development, commercialization, project management, and application engineering, Mary utilizes her skills to educate those around her on the technologies used in our favorite household products.
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Sam Reiss
3M Senior Application Engineer
3D printing is an exciting technological development that is helping change the way we live our lives. It’s even more exciting when you’re printing one of the most robust polymers humans have ever discovered.
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Kandyce Bohannon
3M Senior Software Engineer
Data and analytics are Kandyce Bohannon’s passion. This, she says, feeds her fascination for technology and helps her gain a greater understanding of human behavior.
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Dr. Mahfuza Ali
3M Corporate Scientist
Dr. Ali is the inventor of several material technologies including specialty thermoplastic and pressure sensitive adhesive polymers, antistatic quaternary monomers and polymers, ink-receptive and paint blocking polymers and surface modification.
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Dr. Jen Hanson
Product Development Specialist
In the Consumer Healthcare division, Jen creates new products that help people heal and get back to living their lives.
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John Henderson
3M Senior Product Development Engineer
The impact of John Henderson’s work can be seen anywhere there’s been an impact – between vehicles, that is.
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