From the Rio Grande to Washington, D.C.: La Joya ISD Seventh Grader Earns National STEM Honor

Posted Date: 10/29/26 (06:00 PM)

A smiling young man in a gray suit and pink tie holds a science project made of PVC pipes and electronics at a competition.

La Joya, TX - Lorenzo de Zavala Middle School seventh grader Nathan Gael Montelongo earned second place in the Engineering Award category at the 2026 Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge, one of the nation's premier STEM competitions for middle school students.

Montelongo was among just 30 national finalists selected from 1,997 applicants across the country. He traveled to Washington, D.C., this week to compete alongside some of the nation's brightest young innovators, earning national recognition for his engineering skills, teamwork and problem-solving abilities.

His award-winning project, titled “Shellfish Contributions to Ecosystem and Human Health: Evaluating Chitosan's Natural Ability to Remove Microplastics,” explored an environmentally friendly way to remove tiny plastic particles from contaminated water.

Four students wearing lab coats and safety goggles conduct a science experiment in a bright room.

Inspired by a fishing trip to the Rio Grande, Montelongo began researching how a natural material derived from shellfish shells, called chitosan, could help clean polluted waterways. His research showed that the material could remove approximately 55% to 75% of plastic particles during testing. He also found that zebrafish embryos had better survival and development in water treated with chitosan.

Taking his research a step further, Montelongo designed and built a smart raft equipped with sensors that monitor water quality and automatically release chitosan when pollution is detected.

Three students in matching purple shirts collaborate on a hands-on science project indoors.

"The goal is to create a practical, environmentally friendly system that could help clean waterways like the Rio Grande while collecting real-time water quality data," Montelongo explained.

His accomplishment is especially meaningful considering the national level of competition and the challenges he overcame throughout the process.

"I feel incredibly proud and grateful. Representing La Joya ISD at the national level was a once-in-a-lifetime experience," Montelongo said. "One thing I have learned in La Joya is to not be intimidated and to keep pushing. I knew I was just as good as them, and winning second place in the engineering category proved this."

A young person in a grey suit smiles while holding a science project next to a Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge banner.

Brenda Garcia, Executive Director of K-12 Mathematics and Science for La Joya ISD, praised Montelongo's achievement and the determination behind his success.

"Nathan's accomplishment is a tremendous source of pride for La Joya ISD," Garcia said. "His ability to identify a real-world problem and develop an innovative solution demonstrates the incredible talent and potential of our students. Earning second place at the national level is an extraordinary achievement and a testament to his hard work, creativity and perseverance."

Montelongo credits his family and the educators who supported him throughout his STEM journey, including his project sponsor, Maria Isabel Reyna of Irene Garcia Middle School.

Students in white lab coats and safety goggles conduct experiments and examine equipment.

He hopes his achievement will encourage other students to pursue their interests in science and believe in their abilities.

"Stay curious and never be afraid to ask questions," Montelongo said. "Even if a project seems challenging at first, keep learning, be persistent, and believe in your ideas. You never know where your curiosity can take you."