Student scientists from PWCS shine at the VJAS Research Symposium

Middle and high school students from Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) recently showcased their research at the 2025 Virginia Junior Academy of Science (VJAS) Research Symposium.

The event honored Virginia’s brightest young STEM scholars and underscored the vital role of nurturing the next generation of science and technology leaders.

Congratulations to the PWCS students who placed in the competition.

Middle School Awards

Animal & Human Science

  • First Place: Deen Lateef, Benton Middle School
  • Honorable Mention: Anushka Misra, Gainesville Middle School

High School Awards

Engineering

  • Third Place: Devin Wanchoo, Osbourn Park High School
  • Honorable Mention: Erin Jansen, Patriot High School

Medicine & Health

  • Second Place: Aysha Jafar and Adriana Mendez, Osbourn Park High School
  • Third Place: Song Huong Pham and Shadikshya Subedi, Osbourn Park High School

Physics & Astronomy

  • First Place: Anuj Dahal, Kevin DiMattina, and Oguzkhan Kutlan, Forest Park High School and Governor’s School @ Innovation Park

Psychology

  • First Place: Rania Lateef, Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School and Governor’s School @ Innovation Park

Zoology

  • Honorable Mention: Sajeela Ahmad, Osbourn Park High School

Congratulations to the PWCS students who won special awards.

Roscoe Hughes Genetics Award – This award is given for the best paper in the field of genetics.

  • Rania Lateef – Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School and Governor’s School @ Innovation Park

VAS Honorary Membership – This Outstanding Service Award is given for exceptional service to the Junior Academy and the VJAS Committee.

  • Rania Lateef – Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School and Governor’s School @ Innovation Park

In addition, Sajeela Ahmad, a student at Osbourn Park High School, was selected as the 2025–26 VJAS Editor-in-Chief.

The VJAS, one of the nation’s leading junior academies, promotes scientific inquiry and innovation among middle and high school students across the Commonwealth. Through its annual research symposium, VJAS provides a platform for young scientists to present original research and engage with peers and professionals in STEM fields.