Young Mensan recognized for computing, scientific efforts

Garima Gupta of Jacksonville, Fla., recently took home two awards for her efforts in computer work and scientific research. Gupta was one of 32 young women recognized by the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) and Bank of America for her accomplishments and aspirations in computing and technology. Gupta took home a $500 scholarship, a laptop, a plaque and an expenses-paid trip to the award ceremony in Charlotte, N.C.

Gupta also joined a team of students to compete in and win the National Pete Conrad Spirit of Innovation Award. Teams were asked to build new business opportunities in the fields of personal spaceflight, lunar exploration or renewable energy. The team’s project “consisted of developing algae bioreactors to produce oxygen from carbon dioxide on the moon for future inhabitants,” according to the Conrad Foundation’s Web site. Gupta shared in a $10,000 educational grant and will be inducted as a Conrad Laureate.