Congratulations to the winners of the 2024-2025 eCYBERMISSION competition! From June 23–27, 2025, 20 National Finalist and 5 STEM-In-Action Grant teams in grades 6–9 gathered in Chantilly, Virginia, for the 23rd annual National Judging and Educational Event (NJ&EE) — the grand finale of the eCYBERMISSION competition. Selected from more than 2,100 teams nationwide, these students presented their STEM solutions and investigations for issues in their own communities, participated in hands-on STEM activities, and connected with peers, mentors and DoD scientists from across the country.

Though National Finalist teams were nervous and excited about the opportunity, each delivered a polished five minute presentation, followed by a live Q&A with Scientists and Engineers from the Department of Defense, the National Science Teaching Association President, and the 2025 eCYBERMISSION Team Advisor of the Year. Judges evaluated the projects based on innovation, methodology and societal impact.

“These students are not only solving real-world problems—they’re building the future of innovation and national security,” said Christina Weber, AEOP Cooperative Agreement Manager. “Their creativity, collaboration, and dedication reflect the very heart of AEOP’s mission to inspire and prepare the next generation of STEM leaders.”

The weeklong event wasn’t just about competition, it was also about fostering connection, collaboration and getting a peek into what STEM beyond the classroom looks like. In addition to presenting their projects and getting feedback from Army STEM professionals, students also had time to learn from one another, build new friendships, and dive into hands-on STEM activities designed to develop their critical thinking skills, expand their creativity, and have fun. 

Students proudly showcased their months – and in some cases, years – of hard work. Recipients of the STEM-In-Action Grant, which awards students with $5,000 to advance their research, showed how the funding allowed them to expand and deepen their work.

The 23rd annual eCYBERMISSION winners are: 

The Prairie Protectors – 6th Grade

The Prairie Protectors investigated the impact of the oil industry on prairie biodiversity, native grass growth, and soil health, using this information to create and disseminate seed bombs for prairie restoration. The team is comprised of students London Ferran, Tatum Lust, Kyndall Ordonez, and Emmerson Turner and Team Advisor Michelle Bueermann from Southcrest Christian School in Lubbock, Texas.

Clean Beam – 7th Grade

Clean Beam developed a chemical-free sanitizing device to eliminate algae, bacterial and viral pathogens, and parasites from water to address the issue of contaminants in livestock drinking water. The team is comprised of students Derek Craig Jr, Landon Johnson, and Gabriel Potter and Team Advisor Jason Arant from OSIEL in Bixby, Oklahoma.

 
Hydro Heroes – 8th Grade

Hydro Heroes sought to find a way to remove microplastics from tap water and found chia seed flocculant to be more successful than traditionally-used chemical additives that can be harmful to human health. The team is comprised of students Olivia Kim, Elizabeth Moody, Annie Wei, and April Yao and Team Advisor Richard Gash from Bay Sea Scouts, Inc. in Bay Village, Ohio.

 
Berryfresh – Berry Good Tech – 9th Grade

Berryfresh – Berry Good Tech utilized machine learning to create an app that notifies users of the freshness of strawberries in their refrigerator to prevent food waste. The team is comprised of students Shrika Kota and Janhawi Patil and Team Advisor Deepti Salvi from Green Hope High School and Triangle Math and Science Academy in Raleigh, North Carolina.

In addition to the National Winners, two special awards were presented at this year’s NJ&EE. Team BrAIniac Buddy (7th grade, Utah) earned the Army Values Award for best embodying U.S. Army values throughout the week. Team The Clean Water Crew (6th grade, Arizona) earned the People’s Choice Award, voted on by audience members, mentors, fellow participants and friends and family watching at home during the National Showcase.

You can watch a recording of the livestream of the National Showcase here. 

During the days leading up to the judging events, students visited the National Museum of the United States Army, learned how to follow Army drills, played trivia, explored future career and academic opportunities at the STEM Pathways Information Fair, and even tried real MREs (Meals, Ready to Eat) – a highlight for many. 

National Winners from each grade demonstrated true ingenuity and dedication—and each team member was awarded a $10,000 U.S. EE Savings Bond at maturity for their achievements.

The week fostered confidence, collaboration and critical thinking. NJ&EE 2025 served as a powerful capstone to the eCYBERMISSION experience, showing how middle school students can apply science and engineering to address real world challenges. 

Registration for the 2025-2026 eCYBERMISSION competition opens in the fall. To learn more about eCYBERMISSION, click here.