Ashley Nguyen of California has won the inaugural Battelle Climate Challenge with her proposal, "Seed Bomb," a cost-effective, sustainable, seed-based restoration method designed to increase the germination of eelgrasses to fight erosion along the California coast. As the winner of the Battelle Climate Challenge, Nguyen will present her solution at Battelle’s second annual Innovations in Climate Resilience Conference in Columbus, Ohio (March 28-30). She has also earned a $5,000 STEM grant to be split between Westminster High School Environmental Club and the Westminster High School Mathematics Educated Resources Integrated Technology Science (MERITS) program.

"We are thrilled to recognize Ashley for her innovative thinking and dedication to solving one of the world’s toughest challenges," said Wes Hall, Vice President of Philanthropy and Education at Battelle. "We are proud to support students such as Ashley who are committed to leveraging STEM skills to better their local communities.”

The Battelle Climate Challenge encouraged and recognized high school students for sharing ideas for mitigating the effects of human-made climate change. For the challenge, students researched past and future impacts of climate-related hazards in their communities and developed proposed actions to help build more resilient communities. Nguyen’s detailed proposal and proposals from other challenge finalists and semifinalists are posted at https://www.futureengineers.org/battelleclimatechallenge.

Battelle partnered with Future Engineers to launch the challenge as part of company’s commitment to expanding quality STEM educational opportunities for all students and to developing climate solutions.

To hear about future STEM opportunities from Battelle, visit: https://www.battelle.org/stem-education/

About Battelle

Every day, the people of Battelle apply science and technology to solving what matters most. At major technology centers and national laboratories around the world, Battelle conducts research and development, designs and manufactures products, and delivers critical services for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio since its founding in 1929, Battelle serves the national security, health and life sciences, and energy and environmental industries. For more information, visit www.battelle.org.

About Future Engineers

Future Engineers hosts online contests and challenges for K-12 students. Previous challenges have helped produce historic achievements – from naming NASA’s Perseverance rover to manufacturing the first student-designed 3D print in space. All challenges are offered free for student and classroom participation. For more information, visit futureengineers.org. Follow Future Engineers on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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