The 2017 National  Challenge – Chemistry Connects us to our Nation’s Capital.

This year 42 participants came to the Nation’s Capital for the exciting competition! Ananthan Sadagopan, a 13-year-old 8th-grader from Westborough, Massachusetts, won the title of National You Be The Chemist Challenge® Champion by correctly answering science and chemistry-related questions throughout a grueling day-long 11 rounds of academic competition. It was his third time competing in the National Challenge.

 

 

At the event, Miss USA Kára McCullough, a District of Columbia native, shared why chemistry is her passion and presented awards to Challenge participants. Kára earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry with a concentration in Radiochemistry. She is currently a scientist at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and an advocate for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education.

 

 

 

 

The Top Four 2017 Participants

Challenge Champion
Ananthan Sadagopan, 8th Grade
Westborough, MA
Sarah W. Gibbons Middle School
“Participating in the Challenge sparked my interest in science. In 6th grade when I qualified for the National Challenge, it made me take science more seriously. It also made me realize the numerous opportunities in the field.”

2nd Place Participant
Nikhil Seshadri, 8th Grade
San Diego, CA
Standley Middle School

3rd Place Participant
Ameya Belamkar, 8th Grade
Carmel, IN
Creekside Middle School

4th Place Participant
Jonathan Gunasekaran, 7th Grade
Ruston, LA
Ruston Junior High School

Meet all 2017 National Challenge Participants!

Prizes

All National Challenge Participants received a Thames and Kosmos Nanotechnology Kit, various giveaways, and a participation medal. The top four placing Participants received the following:

  • National Challenge Champion
    • $12,000 Educational Scholarship (Intended for future higher education expenses)
    • TI-84 Plus Calculator
    • Trophy
  • 2nd Place Participant
    • $6,000 Educational Scholarship (Intended for future higher education expenses)
    • TI-84 Plus Calculator
    • Trophy
  • 3rd Place Participant
    • $3,000 Educational Scholarship (Intended for future higher education expenses)
    • TI-84 Plus Calculator
    • Trophy
  • 4th Place Participant
    • $1,500 Educational Scholarship (Intended for future higher education expenses)
    • TI-84 Plus Calculator
    • Trophy

 

Sponsorship

Thank you to our 2017 National You Be The Chemist Challenge® sponsors. View all sponsors here.