BASIS Mesa senior earns Arizona Technology Council award
The Arizona Technology Council and the Arizona Commerce Authority has named a BASIS Mesa senior one of four Future Innovators of the Year Award winners for the 2024 Governor’s Celebration of Innovation.
Vinesh Kothari of Mesa won one of the coveted awards, which celebrate the top talent in Arizona’s science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education community, the two agencies announced.
The winners will be recognized during the governor’s celebration 5-8 p.m. Nov. 13 at Chateau Luxe, 1175 E. Lone Cactus Drive, Phoenix.
Vinesh’s project was titled “Development and Life Cycle Analysis of a Novel Mine Tailings Derived Cementitious System for Use in Sustainable, Multifunctional Applications.”
“In simpler words, I helped create a novel cement out of mining waste that essentially repurposes it to be of economic and sustainable value,” he said. “Mining waste often leeches heavy metals, and so this cement helps to not only lock those away, but reduce the amount of waste held in ‘tailings dams,’ or areas where mining waste is collected.
“I also conducted a life cycle analysis, which essentially measures the projected carbon dioxide emissions from making this cement. In comparison with regular cement, it reduced emissions by 83%, making it more sustainable.”
Vinesh was a lead presenter on the student panel at the 2024 conference of the Arizona Association for Environmental Education and talked about how learning experiences outside of the classroom “can transform environmental education and inspire more meaningful engagement.”
He also is a youth ambassador for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association and a sustainable research assistant at Arizona State University.
He also is a wildlife photographer for earth.org, stating on his LinkedIn profile that he focuses “on how urban pollution impacts animals and wildlife, being their first high school photographer.”
“My photos are a call for all of us to be conscious of the decisions and products we buy, but especially how we dispose of them,” Vinesh said.
Vinesh also is a children’s book author and co-chair of Students Supporting Brain Tumor Research, the largest youth-led nonprofit in Arizona.
“Supporting STEM talent in our state is essential to nurturing our innovation ecosystem, which is why I take great pride in celebrating the Future Innovators and Teacher of the Year Award winners,” said Steven G. Zylstra, president and CEO of the Council and SciTech Institute.
“Today’s youth are the future leaders of Arizona’s technology industry, and it’s an honor to recognize these gifted individuals along with the outstanding teachers who are fostering an interest in the incredible opportunity that a career in STEM offers.”
“This year’s Innovators and Teacher of the Year award winners are contributing to Arizona’s thriving innovation ecosystem,” said Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority.
She also noted that “these innovators and teachers showcase Arizona’s entrepreneurial spirit and we are proud to celebrate these outstanding winners at the 2024 Governor’s Celebration of Innovation Awards alongside the Arizona Technology Council.”
The Future Innovator of the Year Award winners represent top-tier participants of the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair for 2024.
The winning students will receive $1,500 scholarships each to further enhance their education while honorable mentions will receive $500 scholarships each.
Similarly, the winning Teacher of the Year will receive a $1,500 cash award while the honorable mention honoree will receive a $500 cash award.
The Arizona Technology Council is Arizona’s premier trade association for science and technology companies.