There’s something special about spring at Maharishi School. It’s not just the shift in seasons — it’s the return of science fair season, where months of curiosity, research, and innovation come to life.

And once again, our students have risen to the occasion with an incredible showing at both the State Science & Technology Fair of Iowa (SSTFI) and the Eastern Iowa Science & Engineering Fair (EISEF).

A season of innovation and recognition

From local competition to international recognition, our students demonstrated not only academic excellence but also creativity, persistence, and a deep commitment to solving real-world problems.

At SSTFI, Maharishi School students earned an impressive range of honors across multiple disciplines — from behavioral science and engineering to environmental studies and computer science. Highlights:

• Adham & Pranit earned 1st Place in Computer Science, earning multiple Loras College scholarships (to protect student privacy, this story uses first names only, in keeping with school policy)
• Kyran secured 2nd Place in Behavioral & Social Science
• Beining Liu placed 3rd in Behavioral & Social Science and earned a scholarship from Iowa State University
• Ken received multiple prestigious awards, including the NASA Earth Systems Science Award and Citadel Securities Innovation Prize
• Additional students earned recognition across categories, including microbiology, geosciences, food technology, and mathematics

Big ideas, real impact: students tackling tomorrow’s challenges today

Our students brought remarkable focus and purpose to this year’s science fair competitions, presenting innovative, real-world solutions to complex global challenges.

Projects ranged from a colorimetric lateral flow assay to detect neurodegeneration from tears (Phase II) to The Home Unleft, an education initiative addressing social barriers faced by first-generation immigrant students.

Others explored cutting-edge technology, including multimodal deep learning for early health risk screening using skin, tongue, and nail biomarker fusion, alongside practical sustainability tools like SortWise, a platform designed to guide smarter recycling.

Each project reflected not only scientific rigor but a deep commitment to impact, showcasing our students’ ability to think critically, communicate effectively, and apply their learning meaningfully.

These achievements reflect not only strong academic preparation but a willingness to explore, question, and innovate.

Taking it to the international stage

Our students also shone at EISEF, where their work was recognized among top young scientists from around the world.

• Antariksha stood out as a Senior Champion, earning the Regeneron Biomedical Sciences Award and a U.S. Air Force Award, marking her 7th year of participation
• Kostiantyn received the Ricoh Corporation Award
• Ken earned recognition from the Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
• Huy and Nhi were honored with EISEF Honorable Mentions
• Additional students received awards and recognition across biological and physical sciences

These accomplishments highlight the depth of talent and dedication within our student body — and their ability to compete and excel on a global stage.

More than just awards

While the recognition is impressive, what matters most is the process behind it. Students spend months developing their ideas — asking questions, testing hypotheses, analyzing data, and refining their work. They learn how to think critically, communicate clearly, and persist through challenges.

This makes learning real.

At Maharishi School, this kind of experience is part of a larger vision — one that prepares students not only for college but for meaningful contribution. With our Consciousness-Based Education foundation and programs such as the Global Impact Diploma, students are encouraged to connect their academic work to purpose and real-world impact.

Looking ahead

As another spring science season wraps up, one thing is clear: our students are not just participating — they’re leading, innovating, and making their mark.

We couldn’t be prouder of their hard work, curiosity, and drive. And if this season is any indication, the future they’re stepping into is full of possibilities.