GHS Freshman Paola Lumbreras named national finalist for Junior Innovators Challenge

Granbury ISD, Society for Science and Thermo Fisher Scientific are proud to announce Granbury High School freshman Paola Lumbreras as 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐑𝐞 πŸ‘πŸŽ 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐒𝐨𝐧𝐚π₯ 𝐟𝐒𝐧𝐚π₯𝐒𝐬𝐭𝐬 in the 2025 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge β€” the nation’s premier STEM research competition. Paola and the finalists will travel to Washington, DC from October 24 – 29 to participate in the Finals Week of the competition. Each student will be judged on both their science research projects as well as their demonstration of collaboration and critical thinking skills during team challenges, emphasizing the importance and value of teamwork in STEM fields.

Paola earned this prestigious honor with her award-winning research on natural antioxidants with her project titled β€œInvestigating Natural Antioxidants as Protective Agents Against Alcohol and Nicotine-Induced Fetal Developmental Abnormalities.” Her project won first place at the Fort Worth Science and Engineering Fair in the Medical and Health Sciences Division.

All finalists receive a $500 cash award and will compete for over $100,000 in prizes.

View the complete list of finalists: https://www.societyforscience.org/jic/2025-finalists/