A proposed AI wearable device to support individuals with non-verbal autism, a study of quantum processors, a modeling of sonic boom reduction, and a focus on an autonomous detection road repair system were the project ideas taking top honors at the 2026 FCPS Secondary Science Fair.
The FCPS Secondary Science Fair took place March 28 at Tuscarora High School. The high school winners advance to compete at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix in May.
“I’m just so proud of all of the students who shared their knowledge and talents at this year’s Science Fair, FCPS Superintendent Dr. Cheryl L. Dyson said. “So much thought went into each project, and I’m thrilled our students were able to really focus on topics that have inspired them.”
Overall High School Winners
Anvi Chaturvedi and Tanvi Chaturvedi, Urbana High: “NEXUS Neurophysiological Emergency eXternal Understanding System – An AI-Integrated Wearable Device for GPS-Based Safety Monitoring and Emotional State Detection in Non-Verbal Autism Spectrum Disorder Populations.” Anvi and Tanvi, identical twins, are the co-founders of The RAY Foundation, a nonprofit that, in part, supports neurodiverse youths and raises awareness about inclusion, equity and access. Their project proposes a wearable safety device to improve communication and protection for non-verbal autism spectrum disorder individuals.
Kanishka Singh, Urbana High: “Neural Network-Based Autonomous Noise Drift Detection in NISQ Era Quantum Processors.” This project brought awareness that computations run on quantum computers in between calibration cycles may be off by a wide margin. An autonomous system would leverage neural networks and canary circuits to provide real-time monitoring of the quantum noise drift so that it can be detected prior to being corrupted by a system’s calibration cycle.
Overall Middle School Winners
Grand Prize: Kush Agrawal, Sumedh Anumarlapudi, & Ashwin Mangu, Urbana Middle: "Modeling Sonic Boom Reduction Using Aerodynamic Shaping & Piezoelectric Energy"
Runner-Up: Vallabh Kolluru (UMS) "Autonomous Detection and Road Repair System"
ThermoFisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge Nominees are eligible to apply to compete nationally at a competition held in Washington, D.C. FCPS students who were nominated are:
- Longhan Xu, Urbana Middle
- Bruce Edelin, Ballenger Creek Middle
- Carissa Jaquine Ostrea, Ballenger Creek Middle
- Parnika Sodhi, Urbana Middle
- Aryaman Tripathi, Windsor Knolls Middle
- Sri Rudresh, Urbana Middle
- Kush Agrawal, Urbana Middle
- Sumedh Anumarlapudi, Urbana Middle
- Ashwin Mangu, Urbana Middle
- Jonathan Prabakaran, Urbana Middle
- Vallabh Kolluru, Urbana Middle
- Zohair Shameer, Urbana Middle
Oakdale High’s Addison Ashmore and Carroll Creek Montessori Public Charter School’s Hasini Viswasarathy earned first place for cover art design featured in the FCPS Secondary Science Fair booklet, which features more information on student projects. The booklet is attached.
2026 Secondary Science Fair Booklet