Announcing the 2025 eCYBERMISSION National Winners!

Over 2,000 teams from across the United States and DoDEA schools worldwide competed in the 2024-2025 eCYBERMISSION competition. The top 20 of those teams, this year's National Finalists, joined us in Chantilly, Virginia for the 23rd annual National Judging & Educational Event. Now, we are proud to announce the winners of the 2024-2025 eCYBERMISSION competition!

6th Grade National Winner

The Prairie Protectors

Team Members: London Ferran, Tatum Lust, Kyndall Ordonez, Emmerson Turner

Team Advisor: Michelle Bueermann

Southcrest Christian School, Lubbock, Texas

Abstract:

    The North American short grass prairie is located in the central Great Plains and covers a vast area from Canada to Mexico. Over 70% of its total habitat has been lost to residential areas and agriculture, with the remaining land being impacted by wind farms, oil, and natural gas. The short grass prairie is the most endangered ecosystem in the world and its conservation is critical.

    Investigations were developed to measure the effect of the oil industry on the prairie in terms of plant biodiversity, the growth of native grasses, and soil health. A plant survey was conducted from the site of a pump jack in increments outward to 300 feet. Results showed that the biodiversity of plants is seven times greater the farther away one gets from oil field equipment. When growing native grasses, the germination rate increased dramatically as we moved away from the pumpjack. Soil health was measured using pH and fertility. Soil quality was hypothesized to be compromised near oil field activity but this was not seen and further tests will be conducted. 

    Using knowledge gained during testing, the team worked as citizen scientists to replant areas of the prairie most affected by the oil field using native grasses. Partnering with student conservation groups, seed bombs were made to spread and increase biodiversity. We heightened awareness of prairie restoration using posters, brochures, and outreach to community organizations and political leaders. The short grass prairie ecosystem is our home and as a community, it can be conserved.

7th Grade National Winner

Clean Beam

Team Members: Derek Craig Jr, Landon Johnson, Gabriel Potter

Team Advisor: Jason Arant

OSIEL, Bixby, Oklahoma

Abstract:

    Contaminated drinking water can threaten livestock health, increasing disease risk and reducing farm productivity. Additionally, these diseases can be transmitted to humans, causing illness and, in some cases, death. The Clean Beam, a chemical-free sanitizing prototype, was developed to provide clean water for livestock by eliminating algae, bacterial and viral pathogens, and parasites. It employs UV-C light to target and remove harmful microorganisms without the use of chemical additives. A built in propeller was also incorporated to circulate the water in the tank to prevent stagnation and mosquito reproduction. As a safety measure to prevent harmful UV-C exposure, a motion sensor was utilized to turn off the UV-C light when animals or humans were present.

    Prototype testing involved analyzing water samples under controlled conditions. Using a coliform bacteria test, a once bacteria-filled sample was sanitized with eight hours of UV-C exposure. The visible water parasites were eliminated.  In addition, microscopic observations were used to assess the presence of algae before, during, and after testing. Results showed a significant reduction in observable algae, confirming the prototype's effectiveness in delivering cleaner and clearer water.

    These findings suggest potential improvements in livestock health, reduced waterborne illnesses, greater farm productivity, and safer conditions for human caretakers and consumers. The Clean Beam offers a scalable, low-maintenance solution for water sanitization and underscores the critical role of clean water in agriculture,  improving animal welfare, public health, and farm efficiency. Animal health is human health; it all flows together. When they are healthy, we are healthy!

8th Grade National Winner

Hydro Heroes

Team Members: Olivia Kim, Elizabeth Moody, Annie Wei, April Yao

Team Advisor: Richard Gash

Bay Sea Scouts, Inc., Bay Village, Ohio

Abstract:

    Drinking water facilities mostly use alum, or aluminum oxide, as a flocculant to remove particles from the water. We also learned that microplastics adhere to metals in the environment, such as aluminum. Aluminum is associated with neurological disorders such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and autism. We also learned that microplastics cross the blood-brain barrier. Recently, in the news, a study published in Nature Medicine, the University of New Mexico, studied cadaver brains and found a plastic spoon's worth of microplastics in the human brain. We decided that for our project, we wanted to find a way to remove microplastics from tap water without the use of harmful chemicals such as alum.

    We brainstormed a list of plants that produce mucilage, a thick, gooey, sticky polysaccharide. Plants were eliminated from the list if we couldn’t extract the mucilage. By measuring the exact amount of microplastics on a 0.0001g scale before and after the experiment, we could determine the success of our natural flocculant. Through careful observation and measuring, we were able to determine that 0.2g of chia seeds, when soaked in water at room temperature, produce a mucilage that with gentle stirring, traps the microplastics and clumps together at the bottom of the beaker making the removal of plastics through filtration more successful. 

    Preliminary studies that we did at The Ohio State University showed our chia seed flocculant to be more successful at removing microplastics than alum, aluminum chloride, and ferric chloride, the chemicals that are currently used in water treatment facilities. 

9th Grade National Winner

Berryfresh - Berry Good Tech

Team Members: Shrika Kota, Janhawi Patil

Team Advisor: Deepti Salvi

Green Hope High School and Triangle Math and Science Academy, Raleigh, North Carolina

Abstract:

    Food waste is a prominent issue in many households, resulting in families losing $1,600 worth of fresh fruits and vegetables per year. Last year, we addressed this problem by using UV-C treatment to extend the shelf life of strawberries through reduced microbial growth.  This year, we enhanced our solution by making it easier to actually apply in people’s homes by using Artificial Intelligence and a mobile app.

    We incorporated machine learning, a useful tool for image analysis, and connected it to an app that will update the status of the freshness of the strawberries. We used MATLAB to develop a machine learning algorithm and classified images of strawberries into three categories: Fresh, About to rot, and Rotten. The model, trained on 55% and validated on 25% of our dataset, accurately grouped strawberries by freshness. Classification results were exported to a Google Sheet, which was connected to our app, providing live updates. Our app provided real-time updates and sent reminders to people when to eat their strawberries before they go bad.

    By combining technology and novel preservation methods, our solution offers a practical, user-friendly way to reduce food waste at home. Our idea is to provide an accessible app encouraging people to be more aware of their food habits and waste. This simple, accessible solution will help people waste less food, save money, and make healthier life choices. This solution can also be extended to other fresh produce, not only at home but in warehouses and supermarkets.

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A huge congratulations to the 2024–2025 eCYBERMISSION National Winners! We're incredibly proud of these outstanding teams—and of every student who took on the challenge of completing a project this year. Thank you to our amazing community of Mission Mentors, Virtual Judges, and Ambassadors who helped guide and motivate students along the way. And to our dedicated Team Advisors, your support is the heart of eCYBERMISSION. Your commitment makes STEM exciting for students across the country.

Registration for the 2025–2026 competition opens this August. To learn more, visit www.ecybermission.com or reach out to us at missioncontrol@ecybermission.com.

Faith Morse

Sr. Communications and Marketing Specialist