For the winter Signature Symposium, Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of �鶹���� and Executive Publisher of Science News, spoke with (�鶹���� 2010), Co-Founder of and Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of . Both companies focus on preventive health and wellness technologies, built to track key health indicators. Maya and John dove deep into the scientific background that it took for these technologies to be accessible to the public.

After competing in the Science Talent Search his senior year with an astrophysics project, John headed to Harvard. There he met Will Ahmed and decided to leave his undergraduate studies to co-found health tech company WHOOP.

“The idea of capturing biometric data continuously sounded like a really cool project,” John says.

WHOOP is a wearable technology that monitors a user’s unique physiology, tracking biomarkers such as hormones, heart rate, menstrual cycles and blood pressure. These insights align with WHOOP’s mission to enhance human performance and lifespan. WHOOP was initially designed for professional athletes in mind, from basketball players and swimmers to golfers and tennis aficionados. By tracking physiological data, WHOOP helps athletes optimize training, improve their sleep patterns, and manage challenges such as jet lag, enabling peak performance.

After 10 years at WHOOP, John ventured into another health-monitoring technology called Throne, which is focused on capturing gut and hydration metrics.

Having experienced ulcerative colitis, John’s curiosity in this technology was personal.

“If we could analyze stool and urine every day and get that same longitudinal data, we could really transform our understanding and help manage these diseases better,” John says. and uses a special camera for capturing stool and hydration images. Audio capturing tracks urinary flow rate, which is important for monitoring prostate health.

Using what’s called a , Throne takes images over time to see what’s going on with a user’s gut health. Data and information are sent through the Throne app, and a user learns what is going on with their gut and hydration health from the privacy of their homes.

John says gastroenterologists or GI doctors don’t have much data when it comes to stool samples. Working with University of Chicago researchers with data sets to learn more about gut health, diet and any other diseases that can be studied using advanced image analysis and spectroscopy of stool.

“The guiding principle with Throne was that we wanted it to be noninvasive because patients, people and consumers don’t want to touch stool,” John says. “With microbiome at home testing, I think it’s around a 60% completion rate.”

Throne is not out yet, but interested consumers are able to pre-order starting this month. Version one is used for general wellness purposes, including gut health scoring and hydration scoring, John says. It’s intended for everyone but should not be considered a medical device. The idea is that users can track their data to make dietary adjustments or if there is a concerning trend, discuss it with a medical practitioner.

Looking ahead, Maya asked John what he sees as the next major development in at-home health monitoring.

“I think the big trend in the next 10 years that excites me is no more surprise diagnoses,” John says. “With a plethora of technologies and processes that allow everybody to be healthier and be more proactive in their health journeys, it boils down to no more surprises, and those answers come from more data.”

You can watch this Signature Alumni Symposium on our��.��Looking for ways to support �鶹����? We invite you to get involved today!

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Daryl Anderson, Senior Media Sales Manager

“One of my favorite moments was the opportunity to sing and enjoy karaoke with some of my ���DZ����𲹲��ܱ��.”

Brandy Boyd, Database Administrator

“One of my favorite moments this year has been engaging with the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair held in Columbus, Ohio, particularly witnessing the impressive science projects presented by the young participants. Additionally, the transition as we move into the Society’s new building has been a significant and memorable milestone.”

Nicolien Buholzer, Volunteer Manager

“This year was my first year with the Society, and it’s really been such a fun ride learning all the ins and outs of our programs. From chaperoning Regeneron �鶹���� and Thermo Fisher JIC finalists to coordinating hundreds of volunteers in Columbus for Regeneron ISEF, it’s been a great chance to learn on the ground with an awesome team. And truly, that’s been my highlight: getting to know everyone across the organization and coming together to pull off once-in-a-lifetime programs for all our different audiences.”

Liam Chambers, Education Programs Systems Specialist

“A highlight of 2025 was hearing an audience of 200 educators cheer for the new Graph of the Week lesson plan for Science News Learning at the Research Teachers Conference. I do not often see educators’ reactions to our content. I support behind the scenes to produce the materials and webpages, so it was incredibly affirming to witness their appreciation for Science News and this new lesson plan format. We produced 30 Graphs��of the Week items this year, and I think about this moment each time I publish a new lesson plan.”

Shannon Giorgianni, Director of Philanthropic Partnerships

“One of my 2025 highlights was working the Society booth at the Appalachian State University Academic Innovation Conference in western North Carolina. First of all, I’m from North Carolina and basking in those warm and welcoming accents felt like coming home. But what made the experience so memorable was how thrilled the teachers were by what our �鶹���� Outreach Programs had to offer — the Science News content, the resources, the professional development and the community. They were giddy with excitement as they took magazines and signed up for programming. I really felt like I was giving back to my community. Even now, I feel teary-eyed just thinking about it.”

Rory Kemp, Advancement Specialist, Operations

“I met a young man at ISEF 2025 who showcased his research on different uses for soybeans. I found his enthusiasm delightful. His goal was to create a faster-growing, more affordable food source for people in need. I found his breadth of knowledge about soybean farming fascinating and his push to help create reliable, healthy food for people in need inspiring. This small interaction stayed with me during the whirlwind that was ISEF 2025.”

Demian Perry, Digital Director, Science News

“One standout memory from 2025 was working with the Science News Learning and publishing teams to improve the login experience of the Science News and Science News Explores websites and iterating on ways to make educator resources and relevant materials easier to find.

“I recently picked up my middle schooler at the bus stop, and she was glowing��after a conversation with her science teacher, who said Science News is the best source for learning about new science.��That moment showed how much equity our learning team has built up with teachers through steady outreach to incorporate our reporting into curricula across the country. I am looking forward to further extending that partnership in 2026.”

Maria Temming, Assistant Managing Editor, Science News

“My favorite projects this year were stories for the ’ Technically Fiction column, where we investigate real science related to tropes in sci-fi and fantasy. I had so much fun writing about , ��and the . This column offers a unique opportunity to indulge my curiosity about weird and whimsical topics and connect with Science News Explores’ young readers through pop culture they are familiar with.”

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��is celebrated on October 5��to honor all the hard work and accomplishments of our teachers across the globe. To commemorate the holiday, we asked Society staff to share their own influential teachers and mentors — the educators who helped to guide them onto their current path.

Thank you to all educators who continue to strive in our schools and organizations.

Jessica Buono, Program Manager of Grants and Engagement

“One of my middle school math teachers, Mrs. Zucker, made math interesting and fun for me. It was the first time that I can remember math really making sense. When I became a middle school math and science teacher myself, I tried to be the ‘Mrs. Zucker’ for my students.”

Ricardo Gortaire, IT Manager

“I have had an interest in math and science ever since I was an elementary school student, and it was through the support of mentors that this interest was fostered. I remember my fourth-grade teacher supported my love of math, which later bloomed into a passion for finance and business that I pursued through my undergraduate and graduate degrees. I also had a middle school teacher who helped me grow an interest in science and discover my love of plants. I used to want to be a farmer because I loved plants and agriculture, and I continue to discover this passion by growing herbs, vegetables and other plants at home. Both experiences started at an early age and shaped the course of my life, showing me the importance of science and math education for young people, which is an issue that I am happy to work on today through my position at �鶹����.”

Brendan Maguire, Specialist for �鶹���� Competitions

“Dr. B, my math teacher from grades four through eight, inspired me to take risks and be confident in the classroom.�� She ingrained in me the understanding that it was okay to make mistakes because that is where the true learning happens.�� I carried that lesson and that confidence with me throughout my educational journey, and it is a significant factor in who I am today.”

Pratham Patkar, Director of Business Systems

“My tutor Shailesh Manjrekar didn’t just save my grades—he completely reshaped my relationship with learning and ultimately my career path. I came to him in seventh grade, having failed my programming courses. I was struggling with GW Basic and Logo. However, Mr. Manjrekar took the time to understand exactly how I processed information and then tailored his teaching to suit my needs. He showed me that programming was simply logic expressed through different syntax, starting with pseudo-code exercises before moving to actual coding. The breakthrough came when he asked me to teach sections of his other classes. Learning with the mindset that I’d eventually need to teach it to someone else revolutionized how I absorbed information. This approach transformed me from someone failing at programming to someone who decided to pursue Computer Science Engineering as a career.

Mr. Manjrekar’s influence extends far beyond those early programming lessons—it fundamentally changed how I learn about new technologies and approach problems, shaping not just my academic success but my entire professional journey. This experience reinforced my belief that educators, especially effective ones, can be foundational in shaping an individual’s future and, consequently, the future of society as a whole.”

Anna Pawlow, Director of �鶹���� Education Outreach

“I fell in love with analytical thinking and problem-solving because of my two chemistry teachers in high school. My passion for science continued to be supported in college by professors who mentored my analytical research and sparked my interest in chemical organic synthesis. Building confidence in my ability to pursue science was what my teachers helped me with most, and it’s why I chose to begin my career in science education as a high school teacher, right where my �鶹���� story began.”

Kamal Quarles, IT Specialist

“I’ve had a few teachers in my life that have been inspirational, but one who immediately comes to mind was my 10th & 11th grade English teacher, Ms. Dolesh. This lady did not play; she taught AP English and because I was in an advanced program, I had to take a class with her.�� She was instrumental in my academic career because not only did she challenge me to be better, but she also showed me that I could face any challenge if I was determined and dedicated.�� Excelling, rather than just completing her class, gave me the confidence to know that I could achieve success in college.”

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, Publisher of opened the conversation by asking Ray when he first knew he wanted to be an inventor. Ray traces those pivotal moments back to the influence of his great-grandmother.����

“In 1868, my great-grandmother started a school that allowed women to go from kindergarten through the 14th grade,” Ray said. “This was very significant because if you were lucky enough to get an education at all in 19th-century Europe, it would only be through the ninth grade.” ��Ray said his great-grandmother’s daughter—his��grandmother—was one of the first women to earn a doctorate in chemistry. She took over the school and ran it for 70 years between 1868 and 1938—the beginning of World War II.����

“When I was about six years old, she showed me a typewriter,” Ray said. “I was very interested in manuals and here was a device you could put a blank piece of paper in and make it look like it came from a book.” His grandmother’s introduction to the��typewriter snowballed, and Ray’s interest in inventing took off. He said he collected parts from broken bicycles and radios and was studying how they were put together.����

“If I could just figure out how to put them together, I could solve any problem. I could make people live longer and help them overcome disease.”����

Ray invented the first charged-coupled device (CCD) flatbed scanner, the first print-to-speech reading machine for the blind, and the first music synthesizer capable of recreating a grand piano and other orchestral instruments.������

Later,��Michael asked Ray how futurism relates to being an inventor.����

Ray noted that this was about imagining how the world could change and what might be possible in the future. For an inventor, it means looking ahead, not just at what people need now, but at what they might need five or ten years from now. Presenting the chart below, Ray talked about exponential thinking and how it has impacted mankind.����

The chart traced 85 years of computer history, showing how past��advancements connect to AI’s�� future impact on society.��Ray described his predictions for AI as conservative, expecting that by 2030, AI will be able to process all of human knowledge.��“Computers are language models that can handle everything human beings know,” he said. “You can ask it anything; no human being can do that, and we’re coming up with things we didn’t know before.”����

Ray then emphasized that AI is not “artificial” but is real intelligence. It is knowledge we can apply directly to our thinking, just as we quickly get answers from our phones. Ray pointed out the rise in social media influencers, which didn’t even exist two decades ago, as evidence that AI will create new opportunities and possibilities. That people will become smarter.����

Addressing questions about AI’s risks, including the so-called “P(doom).” Ray argued that history shows technological progress expands opportunity for humanity rather than diminishes it.�� ��

“This concern started 200 years ago,” Ray said. “Twenty years ago, people thought that employment would only be enjoyed by a few people, but employment has gone up and we’re doing things you couldn’t even imagine 20 years ago.”����

To watch and learn more about alum Ray Kurzweil, you can find the video and profile here.����

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The Society is thrilled to announce that Jenna DeLuca, Ph.D., will be the organization’s first Scientific Integrity Officer. DeLuca brings a wealth of experience in translational research and laboratory benchwork along with an ability to review and evaluate nonclinical data, underscoring the Society’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of scientific integrity and ethical research practices.

“I am excited about this new role at �鶹����,” said Maya Ajmera, President & CEO of �鶹���� and Executive Publisher of Science News. “With advancements like AI, scientific research is exploding, and we need to keep pace as innovative research thrives while maintaining a strong commitment to research integrity.”

As the Scientific Integrity Officer, DeLuca will support the Society’s three core competitions: the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair; the Regeneron Science Talent Search and, the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge. Her core responsibilities will include evaluating and evolving policies, procedures and operations to proactively review applications for scientific integrity; mediating and investigating allegations of research misconduct and eligibility violations; developing training and professional development materials; and supporting the scientific review process.

DeLuca comes to the Society from the National Institutes of Health where she was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Translational Immunobiology Unit. As part of her work there, DeLuca conducted advanced research on antibody characterization, focusing on memory B cells from flavivirus-infected non-human primates and assessing antibodies for the prevention of Zika virus transmission. Her work included large-scale antibody production, pharmacokinetic analysis, and studies on B cell cross-reactivity, with significant contributions to HIV immunization research. She also has co-authored articles in peer-reviewed journals and presented her work at prominent scientific conferences, such as the American Association of Immunologists Annual Conference.

DeLuca received her Bachelor of Science degree from Saint Mary’s College in Indiana and earned her Ph.D. in microbiology from Miami University. She was a Lab Instructor at Miami University from 2016 through 2021 and an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant at Saint Mary’s College in 2015 and 2016.

“Scientific integrity is the foundation of effective scientific research,” said DeLuca. “I participated in science fairs in middle and high school, and those experiences fostered my passion for science. I know first-hand how important these opportunities are for providing the building blocks for a successful �鶹���� profession, and I am thrilled to join �鶹���� in this role.”

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The new members are:

Charles H. Bennett
Fellow, IBM Thomas J Watson Research Center, IBM Corporation
Science Talent Search 1960

Martin Chalfie
University Professor, Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University
Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2008
Former member of �鶹���� Board of Trustees

Sylvester James Gates, Jr.
John S. Toll Professor of Physics
Clark Leadership Chair in Science
Distinguished University Professor
Professor of Physics
Professor of Public Policy in the University of Maryland’s School of Public Policy
Former member of �鶹���� Board of Trustees

Shirley Ann Jackson
President Emerita, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Joe Palca
Freelance science journalist.
Former NPR Science Correspondent
Former member of �鶹���� Board of Trustees

“The invaluable expertise and leadership brought by our new members to our Honorary Board will be pivotal in propelling the Society’s mission forward, empowering us to inform, educate, and inspire the next generation of �鶹���� leaders. I eagerly anticipate collaborating with them as we further enhance scientific literacy and broaden access to our �鶹���� programs,” said Maya Ajmera, President & CEO, �鶹���� and Executive Publisher, Science News.

“I am delighted to welcome these five exceptional leaders to the Society’s Honorary Board. I look forward to working with them as we seek to reach greater heights of excellence and impact,” said Mary Sue Coleman, �鶹���� Board of Trustees Chair.

The Honorary Board assists the Society in thinking through strategic organizational questions and speaking to students who compete in our science competitions.

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Knell is Senior Advisor for Media and Social Impact at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Executive Chairman of Common Sense Networks. From 2014 through 2018, Knell served as president and CEO of the National Geographic Society, where he oversaw the organization’s nonprofit activities in science exploration, education and media innovation. Prior to that, he served as President and CEO of National Public Radio (NPR). He was also President and CEO of Sesame Workshop, where he was instrumental in groundbreaking international coproductions promoting public health, conflict resolution and basic childhood education. He also served as Senior Vice President at WNET/THIRTEEN in New York and served as Counsel to the US Senate Governmental Affairs and Judiciary Committees.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from UCLA in political science (where he was Editorial Director of the UCLA Daily Bruin) and a JD from Loyola Law School, as well as honorary degrees from Kenyon College, Mercy College and Franklin University in Switzerland.

“I’m excited to join the Board of Trustees of the Society to support an organization focused on one of the most important challenges in our world: Translating science to the public through inspiration, education and example,” said Knell. “I look forward to helping Maya and her team reach great heights ahead.”

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The new members are:

Raj Chetty, Ph.D.
William A. Ackman Professor of Economics, Harvard University
Director of Opportunity Insights, Harvard University
Science Talent Search 1997
International Science and Engineering Fair 1997

Tom Leighton, Ph.D.
CEO & Co-Founder, Akamai Technologies
Professor of Applied Mathematics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Member, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL), MIT
Science Talent Search 1974
International Science and Engineering Fair 1972 and 1973
Former member of �鶹���� Board of Trustees

Alan Leshner, Ph.D.
CEO Emeritus of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Former Executive Publisher of Science, and the Science family of journals
Former member of �鶹���� Board of Trustees

“The expertise and guidance these new members will lend to our Honorary Board is crucial to advancing the Society’s mission of informing, educating and inspiring the next generation of �鶹���� leaders,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO, �鶹���� and Executive Publisher, Science News. “I look forward to working with them as we continue to expand scientific literacy and access to our �鶹���� programs.

“I am thrilled to welcome these three distinguished �鶹���� leaders as new members of the Society’s Honorary Board,” said Mary Sue Coleman, �鶹���� Board of Trustees Chair. “Their dedication to the Society and our mission is invaluable.”

The Honorary Board assists the Society in thinking through strategic organizational questions, speaking to students who compete in our science competitions and nominating next generation of scientists and engineers for the SN 10, an honor granted by Science News to 10 early and mid-career scientists on their way to widespread acclaim.

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“Through the Equitable Access Fund, the Society is pleased to support science fairs across the United States, and around the world, in their vital work of inspiring young people to pursue scientific research,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of the �鶹���� and Executive Publisher of Science News. “We are proud to support these fairs and are inspired by their commitment to shaping the change makers of tomorrow.”

Through this fund, the Society supports science fairs’ efforts to improve their reach and inclusiveness, with an emphasis on initiatives that serve historically underrepresented populations. Some examples of these initiatives include covering costs of rural students to attend fairs, providing need-based scholarships to attendees, connecting students with mentors at local institutions and supporting outreach programs to young people in refugee camps.

Grantees were selected from members of the Society’s Affiliated Fair Network, which includes approximately 400 science fairs from around the world. Students who do well in these fairs earn the right to compete in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, the world’s largest international science competition for high school students.

The initiative, which was funded by the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, allocated $198,700 to 30 fairs in the United States and $65,000 to 15 international fairs in 2023. Since its founding in 2020, the fund has awarded a total of $684,200 to science fairs around the world. Here is the complete list of this year’s grantees:

INTERNATIONAL SCIENCE FAIRS

• Armenian School Science Festival (Yerevan, Armenia)
• FEBRACE – Feira Brasileira de Ciencias e Engenharia (Sao Paolo, Brazil)
• Bibliotheca Alexandrina Science and Engineering Fair (Alexandria, Egypt)
• MISE Research Program (Accra, Ghana)
• The Israeli Young Scientists Contest (Jerusalem, Israel)
• Science Fair of The Jordanian Ministry of Education (Amman, Jordan)
• Mexico National Science Cup (Puebla, Mexico)
• Palestine Science and Technology Fair (Ramallah, Palestine)
• Portuguese Contest for Young Scientists (Porto, Portugal)
• Romania Science and Engineering Fair (Suceava, Romania)
• Expo for Young Scientists – South Africa (Johannesburg, South Africa)
• Korea Science Fair (Cheonan-si, South Korea)
• Sri Lanka Science & Engineering Fair (Colombo City, Sri Lanka)
• Eco-TechnoUkraine (Kyiv, Ukraine)
• Zimbabwe National Science Fair (Harare, Zimbabwe)

US-BASED SCIENCE FAIRS

• Alabama Science and Engineering Fair (Auburn, Alabama)
• Central Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair (Birmingham, Alabama)
• Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair (Bonita, California)
• The Synopsys Outreach Foundation Alameda County Science and Engineering Fair (Danville, California)
• Santa Cruz County Science and Engineering Fair (Santa Cruz, California)
• Pikes Peak Regional Science Fair (Colorado Springs, Colorado)
• Connecticut Science & Engineering Fair (Hamden, Connecticut)
• Cobb/Paulding Regional Science Fair (Marietta, Georgia)
• Maui County Regional Science and Engineering Fair (Puunene, Hawaii)
• Eastern Idaho Science & Engineering Fair (Pocatello, Idaho)
• State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa (Ames, Iowa)
• Bossier Parish Community College Louisiana Region I Science���� and Engineering Fair (Bossier City, Louisiana)
• Greater New Orleans Science and Engineering Fair (New Orleans, Louisiana)
• Maine State Science Fair (Bar Harbor, Maine)
• Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair (Cambridge, Massachusetts)
• Mississippi Region V Science and Engineering Fair (Starkville, Mississippi)
• Missouri Southern Regional Science Fair (Joplin, Missouri)
• Missouri Tri-County Regional Science and Engineering Fair (Wentzville, Missouri)
• Jersey City Medical Center/Barnabas Health �鶹���� Showcase (Spring Lake, New Jersey)
• North Carolina State Science Fair (Raleigh, North Carolina)
• Northwest Science Expo (Banks, Oregon)
• Delaware Valley Science Fairs (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engineering Fair (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
• Southern Appalachian Science and Engineering Fair (Knoxville, Tennessee)
• Sun Country Science Fair (El Paso, Texas)
• Science Engineering Fair of Houston (Houston, Texas)
• Central Texas Science and Engineering Fair (Waco, Texas)
• Harold W. & Helen M. Ritchey Science and Engineering Fair of Utah (Ogden, Utah)
• Weber Area Science and Engineering Fair (Ogden, Utah)
• Central Virginia Regional Science Fair (Lynchburg, Virginia)

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Today, we hope that you will consider supporting our work once more, especially as a generous donor will  triple all donations made before midnight, up to $15,000.

With your help, we can keep science a priority on this international day of giving and secure a strong future for our science research competitions, equity and outreach programs, and award-winning science journalism. 

In a digital age troubled by misinformation, scientific consensus and established facts are increasingly at risk of becoming lost in the noise. Now more than ever, it is vital to cultivate new paths for the public to engage with the science that is rapidly changing our world.

Please, if you can, donate now, when your gift can be tripled to support our work to advance that mission.

Your Giving Tuesday gift will go three times as far to help:

1. Build a more informed public. Science News is one of the few newsrooms left in the U.S. with science beat journalists providing independent and unbiased coverage of science and giving readers the tools to evaluate the world around us.

2. Inspire tomorrow’s leaders. Since 1942, our world-class �鶹���� research competitions have identified and nurtured the next generation of science leaders. When we invest in these brilliant young scientists, we invest in a better future for us all.

3. Create opportunity through �鶹����. We know �鶹���� opportunities are not equal, and we are working towards ensuring that every young person—regardless of their race, gender, or socio-economic status—can engage in hands-on scientific research. Your support today can help make that happen.

If you’re able, would you please make your Giving Tuesday donation today and have your impact tripled? Thank you for all that you do in support of science. Together, we can share the power and wonder of science with all.

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