Richland's Akshath Named For Washington Jr Science Academy
RICHLAND, Washington: Akshath Sai Motkuri, a junior at Richland High School and a former intern at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), has been selected as a 2026–27 Washington Junior Academy of Science (WAJAS) fellow in recognition of his original research into artificial intelligence and global healthcare accessibility.
Motkuri is among 11 high school students selected statewide by the Washington State Academy of Sciences for research addressing scientific, technological and societal challenges. The academy announced the fellows on October 26, 2026.
His project, titled ArogyaLoka: HealthBridge AI, explores how multilingual artificial intelligence could help underserved patients in developing countries access medical guidance, diagnostic image support and health monitoring.
The research combines artificial intelligence with a human-centered approach to healthcare, focusing on technologies intended to reduce barriers to medical information and services.
The academy identified Motkuri's project as one of the selected research initiatives, highlighting the growing interest among young scientists in using emerging technologies to address public health challenges.
Research Experience at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Motkuri also gained practical research experience through a summer internship at PNNL, a US Department of Energy national laboratory in Richland, Washington.
According to information provided about his internship, he worked with PNNL mentors Carolyn and Nick Cramer on a computer-vision project involving well plate placement verification for ARCADIA under the laboratory's Center for Robotics and Autonomy.
The project involved vision-based verification of laboratory equipment positioning, an area relevant to robotics and automated scientific workflows.
His work at PNNL and his independently recognized healthcare AI research reflect experience across multiple scientific disciplines, including machine learning, laboratory automation and healthcare technology.
Washington Academy Recognizes Young Researchers
The Washington Junior Academy of Science program recognizes high school students conducting original scientific research and connects them with established researchers.
Selected fellows receive mentorship from members of the Washington State Academy of Sciences, helping them strengthen their research, develop scientific skills and explore future career opportunities.
The 2026–27 fellows were honored during the academy's annual celebration on October 8, 2026, where students presented their research as part of a scientific showcase.
The selected projects addressed topics including disease detection, drinking-water contamination, environmental protection, biomedical research and artificial intelligence.
Motkuri's selection places him among a statewide group of young researchers recognized for pursuing scientific solutions to practical challenges.
Earlier Recognition at International Science Fair
Motkuri's WAJAS fellowship follows another significant achievement in 2026.
At the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), held in Phoenix, Arizona, in May, he received a special award from Non-Trivial Ventures for his ArogyaLoka project.
The award included an opportunity to participate in a research fellowship and support for further project development, according to the Society for Science and the Mid-Columbia Science Fair.
Motkuri has also been selected as a Washington State delegate to the American Junior Academy of Sciences, with an invitation to attend its 2027 conference in Chicago, Illinois.
The recognition gives him an opportunity to engage with other young researchers and participate in a broader national scientific community.
His achievements illustrate how high school research programs, national laboratory internships and scientific competitions can provide young students with opportunities to develop technologies addressing real-world problems.
For families interested in STEM education and research opportunities in the United States, Motkuri's journey offers an example of the opportunities available to students pursuing scientific innovation before entering college.
Comments