Science project aims to protect dolphins from human activity
A Virginia student has been recognized for a project aimed at protecting dolphins from the dangers of human activity in marine environments. Ishanvi Sakharpe, a student at Old Donation School in Virginia Beach, was named a 2026 Virginia State Merit Winner in the 3M Young Scientist Challenge for her project, Dolphin Guard.
The Young Scientist Lab lists Dolphin Guard as Sakharpe's award-winning project. The project focuses on addressing potentially dangerous encounters between dolphins and human activity in marine environments. From boats and fishing gear to the broader presence of marine transport, human activity poses risks to dolphins, which can get stuck in fishing gear or face other dangers, according to The Times of India. The same source notes that marine transport is especially dangerous for wildlife.
Sakharpe's motivation for the project, as reported by India Today, stems from a question about how humans share the ocean with wildlife. Instead of merely studying dolphins, Sakharpe focused on how innovation could help reduce these risks, aiming to identify or mitigate dangers before they cause harm.
About the 3M Young Scientist Challenge
The 3M Young Scientist Challenge is an annual competition where middle school students from across the United States participate. According to the Young Scientist Lab, students enter by submitting a short video explaining a new invention or solution that could address an everyday problem. The competition assesses entries on creativity, scientific knowledge, persuasiveness and communication, and overall presentation.
The 2026 challenge opened in January, and the State Merit Winners were announced in June, according to India Today.
A background in competition success
Sakharpe's recognition in the sciences is complemented by a strong record in mathematics. Math Kangaroo records show she has been recognized in mathematics competitions over several years. In 2025, she was part of The Kangaroo Pi-oneers, an Old Donation School team that won the Grade 6 national gold medal in the Math Kangaroo Team Competition. She has also appeared in Math Kangaroo's national and state results as an individual competitor, as reported by India Today.
Her team's success in math competitions, alongside her science project, points to a student engaged in applying knowledge to real-world problems. Dolphin Guard, according to the Young Scientist Lab, represents an effort to use science and technology for conservation, a theme that has resonated in the recognition she has received.