Fourteen-Year-Old Texan Wins 3M Challenge for COVID-19 Discovery

Fourteen-year-old Anika Chebrolu has won the 2020 3M Young Scientist Challenge and $25,000 prize for discovering a potential treatment for COVID-19. Anika's invention uses in-silico methodology to pinpoint the lead molecule that selectively binds to the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Chebrolu began her work in eighth grade as a way to treat influenza, but after the global pandemic was declared, she shifted her focus to COVID-19 research.

Chebrolu, from Frisco, Texas, says she was inspired to research the subject after learning the impact of the 1918 flu pandemic and discovering how many people die every year in the US despite vaccinations and anti-influenza drugs. She expressed how honored she is to be named top young scientist and win the prize. Her next goal is to work alongside scientists to develop her findings into an actual cure for the virus so everyone can return to normal life again soon. Chebrolu hopes to one day become a doctor or researcher.