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Ankith Burki Named Finalist in U.S. Student Research Competition
Ankith Burki is a seventh-grade student from California who enjoys science.
He built a machine that collects water from moisture in the air.
He tested whether low sounds could help the machine collect more water.
In his experiments, sine-wave sounds helped it collect 117 percent more water.
Ankith hopes to become an environmental engineer and create useful solutions for people.
He is one of 30 students selected for a national science competition.
The finalists will meet in Washington, DC, in October 2026.
Judges will assess their research and how they work and communicate with others.
Seventh-grade student Ankith Burki of California is one of 30 finalists in the 2026 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge.
His project tests whether low-frequency sound can increase water production from an atmospheric water generator.
In his tests, low-frequency sine waves increased the collected water by 117 percent.
Finalists will take part in Finals Week in Washington, DC, from October 23 to 28.
The Society for Science organizes the competition to encourage young scientists and engineers to develop solutions to major challenges.
- Who
- Ankith Burki, a seventh-grade student from California, is one of 30 finalists.
- What
- He was selected for the 2026 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge for a project investigating low-frequency sound and water generation.
- Where
- The finals will take place in Washington, DC; Burki is from California.
- When
- Finals Week is scheduled for October 23 to 28, 2026.
- Why
- His project investigated whether low-frequency sound could improve water collection from an atmospheric water generator.
Key facts
- Competition
- 2026 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge
- Finalists
- 30 students, selected from the top 300 Junior Innovators
- Student
- Ankith Burki, a seventh-grade student from California
- Project
- Investigating the Effect of Low-Frequency Sound in Enhancing the Efficiency of Water Generation in Thermoelectric Atmospheric Water Generators
- Reported result
- Low-frequency sine waves increased water collection by 117 percent in Burki's tests.
- Finals dates
- October 23–28, 2026
- Finals location
- Washington, DC
- Organizer
- Society for Science
Quotes
Ankith Burki
Seventh-grade student and Thermo Fisher JIC finalist
“Every year, our Thermo Fisher JIC finalists remind us of what's possible when curiosity meets courage - even in middle school. This year's Top 30 are already using science to tackle problems that matter to their communities and the world.”
NDTV
“Practicing and singing the traditional Indian music that my ancestors have learnt for generations is soothing and helps me connect with my cultural roots.”
NDTV
Sources
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