Young Innovators: Sheyna Patel

A 14-year-old student at Orlando Science Middle/ High Charter, USA, named Sheyna Patel has found a way to tackle microplastic pollution using a hydrogel. Sheyna’s hydrogel is safe to use and extracts microplastics from water. The gel is economical and works by capturing tiny microplastics, which are often imperceptible. The gel also destroys these pollutants, which degrade the environment and affect human health. Sheyna was among the finalists of the 2025 3M Young Scientist Challenge, a science competition that promotes innovation among middle schoolers in USA.