Aarav Malinowski was named Wisconsin’s State Merit Winner in the 2026 3M Young Scientist Challenge, a national competition recognizing middle school students who use science to address real-world problems. Aarav completed the project as an eighth-grade student at Wisconsin Hills Middle School and will attend Brookfield Central High School this fall.

His project is an add-on for smoke detectors that uses multiple sensors to improve fire detection and reduce false alarms. The system is also designed to share real-time information with emergency dispatchers and alert homeowners to potential fire hazards.

Aarav was one of 37 students nationwide selected as a State Merit Winner. Congratulations to Aarav on this outstanding achievement.