Announcing the 2017 Top 300 Broadcom MASTERS
Every year, Broadcom Foundation and Society for Science & the Public inspires young scientists, engineers and innovators to solve the grand challenges of the future through Broadcom MASTERS. Today, Broadcom Foundation and the Society for Science & the Public are proud to announce the Top 300 Competitors in the seventh annual Broadcom MASTERS competition—the nation’s most prestigious Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) competition for middle school students.
In order to ensure a robust pipeline of STEM talent, it is vital that we start as early as middle school to encourage students to deepen their interest in science, technology, engineering and math.
This year, the Top 300 Broadcom MASTERS (formerly referred to as semi-finalists) represent middle schools from 37 states, Puerto Rico and the Department of Defense overseas. There are an approximately equal number of males and females—147 girls and 153 boys. California, Florida and Texas have the most Top 300 competitors.
“I’m thrilled to see the Society reach a record number of applicants this year. In order to ensure a robust pipeline of STEM talent, it is vital that we start as early as middle school to encourage students to deepen their interest in science, technology, engineering and math,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science & the Public and Publisher of Science News. “I offer my congratulations to our Top 300 MASTERS.”
The students’ names and a state-by-state breakdown of the Top 300 can be found at https://student.societyforscience.org/2017-top-300-masters.
The Top 300 Broadcom MASTERS’ independent research projects include a broad range of innovative topics such as:
- Making combat vehicles safer from blasts
- Preventing Zika
- Using predator-prey mathematical models for regulating the growth of harmful algae
- Using magnetism to clean up oil spills
- Harvesting solar energy and body heat using thermoelectric generators
- Using Artificial intelligence to improve wind power
- Investigating whether altering the microbiome can cure peanut allergies
- Analyzing the effect of ocean acidification on sea life
- Creating a wearable device to monitor health conditions
“The Broadcom MASTERS inspires students from all walks of life to follow their passion for science, math, engineering and innovation,” said Paula Golden, President of the Broadcom Foundation. “We are excited to see almost equal numbers of boys and girls in the final pool – a tribute to their middle school teachers, parents and STEM-minded friends who mentor them and encourage their participation in this important national competition.”
We are excited to see almost equal numbers of boys and girls in the final pool – a tribute to their middle school teachers, parents and STEM-minded friends who mentor them and encourage their participation in this important national competition.
In recognition of their achievements, Top 300 Broadcom MASTERS will receive a prize package containing an award ribbon; semifinalist certificate of accomplishment; Broadcom MASTERS backpack; a Broadcom MASTERS decal; an Inventor’s Notebook and copy of Howtoons: Tools of Mass Construction graphic novel, courtesy of The Lemelson Foundation; a one year subscription to Mathematica+ software, courtesy of Wolfram Research; and a one-year family digital subscription to Science News magazine. In recognition of the role that teachers play in the success of their students, each designated teacher also will receive a Broadcom MASTERS tote bag and a one-year digital subscription to Science News magazine.
Stay tuned for the 30 Broadcom MASTERS Finalists announcement on September 20!
