{"componentChunkName":"component---src-templates-student-js","path":"/annual-challenge/finalists-mentors-judges/finalists/arika-kundu-2026-finalist","result":{"data":{"student":{"aboutIdea":["Meet Arika. Arika designed an innovative method using agricultural waste like peanut shells to remove pesticides from produce, combining material science with simple tools to make safer food more accessible."],"age":13,"challengeMotivation":["I entered the 3M Young Scientists Challenge to improve my innovation and turn it into a product that everyone can benefit from. I was encouraged to enter the 3M Young Scientist Challenge this year by many judges at my regional and state science fairs, who urged me to find a mentor to further refine my product. Last year, I won the Minnesota State Merit Award, and this year I hope to be a finalist so I can receive expert advice and help from 3M scientists in this field."],"cardImage":"Arika-Kundu-2026-Finalist-Card.jpg","flag":"Finalist","dreamOcupation":["In 15 years, I hope to be an astrobiologist, specifically in computational biology. I want to work on cutting-edge research to reduce radiation exposure in space, laying the foundation for long-term advancements in space exploration. I believe that this is a major scientific challenge whose solution will not only affect space travel, but could also improve cancer treatments, aging, and degenerative diseases, enhance agriculture, and much more."],"favoriteInvention":["While not a typical invention, the Human Genome Project (HGP) was a major scientific discovery and breakthrough. The HGP began in 1990 and ended in 2003. The project successfully mapped the entire human genome. It led the way for many other biological, environmental, and agricultural innovations. It has improved disease diagnosis, drug design, and the earlier detection of genetic diseases. However, its benefits are not limited to healthcare. The HGP also opened new doors for microbial gene research, leading to advancements in biofuels, environmental monitoring, and carbon sequestration. The HGP looks to the future, but it helped scientists understand the past of humans, specifically our genomic evolutionary changes. It also made changes in daily life through enhanced forensic analysis and agriculture. The HGP helped create resistant crops, healthier food, and vaccines incorporated into produce. The HGP is my favorite invention of the last 100 years, since it set a precedent for much of the cutting-edge work that continues to help elevate the world for everyone's benefit."],"ideaName":["LIGNEX  - A Novel Biosorption Based Approach that Uses Agricultural Waste Material to Eliminate Pesticide Residues from Fresh Produce."],"mentor":{"prefix":"","name":"Cory Sauer","jobTitle":"Application Engineering Specialist","cardImage":"Cory-Sauer-Mentor-Headshot-CARD_435x264.jpg","shortDescription":["Cory is an Application Engineering Specialist in 3M's Corporate Strategy organization, where he identifies and develops applications for next-generation technologies. Focusing on emerging Climate and Energy opportunities like carbon capture, sustainable polymers, and mineral extraction, he specializes in working with customers to solve complex problems and help build future industries."],"slug":"cory-sauer"},"quote":["\"Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after the other.\" - Walter Elliot"],"quoteImage":"Arika-Kundu-2026-Finalist-Quote.jpg","schoolGrade":"7th","schoolName":"Minnetonka Middle School East","youtubeVideo":"","guidVideo":"efbf539b-89fe-4be3-b466-0957d47f56f6","firstName":"Arika","lastName":"Kundu","tag":"2026 Finalist"}},"pageContext":{"slug":"arika-kundu-2026-finalist"}},"staticQueryHashes":["1877358583","2853049992","340814223","3432942819","4119215080","4285582392"]}