All the finalists flew to Washington, D.C., to attend the awards gala held by the Society for Science and the Public which would determine the top 10 finalists.

On March 13, she learned that she had finished in ninth place and won $20,000. There were 40 other finalists.

The first-place winner was Nithin Tumma from Fort Gratiot, Mich., for his research on a more direct and targeted method of breast cancer treatment and won $100,000.

All of the students presented their work at the National Geographic Society, where they explained their research projects to visitors. Additionally, they were given the opportunity to meet with prominent scientists and political figures and toured historical sites.

Their projects were judged in the course of their presentations by top-notch scientists.

Zhang’s entry was an alternative method for monitoring glucose levels in the body. Zhang was mainly hoping to benefit younger diabetes patients, who often fear the pain which accompanies the finger prick, necessary for drawing out blood for testing.

She was inspired to pursue this project because of her many family and friends who are afflicted with the disease.

“I am also very thankful to all the support from my teachers and mentors, both past and present, through this whole process,” said Zhang.

Zhang plans to continue her career in science and become a research scientist.