In 2022, NEI launched the Eye on the Future Teen Video Contest to hear what the next generation of scientists was up to. We asked teens to share their favorite science experiments, discuss impactful scientific discoveries, and showcase live science demonstrations. We received over 40 submissions from individual teens and groups and picked 2 winners!
In 2023, the contest had a different focus. We asked teens to create a short video in one of these categories:
- Science in your world
- Science in the field or lab
- Science in your future
This time we received over 60 submissions — and we chose a winner in each category. Get to know these future scientists and how they’re making an impact in the world of science.
Meet our 2023 winners!
Thuy-Tien Tran: “Science in your world” winner
Thuy-Tien Tran is passionate about understanding vision science — and coming up with unique solutions to prevent blindness. Thuy-Tien’s video highlights creative ways to get people with vision problems the support they need!
Celia Cooley: “Science in the field or lab” winner
Celia Cooley plays a hands-on role in protecting local streams! Celia’s video gives step-by-step instructions for tracking populations of aquatic insects and crustaceans to help monitor water quality.
Mark Leschinsky: “Science in your future” winner
Mark invented a reusable, self-disinfecting hazmat suit to help keep health care workers safe! Mark’s video shows how the suit can protect health workers caring for people with diseases like Ebola or COVID-19.
Meet our 2022 winners!
Meenakshi Ambati
Meenakshi Ambati is a high school senior with an eye on the future of macular degeneration treatment! Her award-winning video shares an association between atrophic macular degeneration and the medicine fluoxetine, also known as Prozac.
Sanjana Kumar
Sanjana Kumar is a high school sophomore with a passion for keeping people safe on the road! Sanjana’s research uses human blink patterns (or eye aspect ratios) to identify when drivers are drowsy or distracted. She hopes to turn this research into a consumer-facing vehicle device to prevent accidents.