6th grader earns 1st place at Middle Tennessee Science and Engineering Fair

Congratulations to Anisha Nachnani ’32, who turned heads with her project, “Plastic Beneath the Surface: Quantifying the Impact of Soil Microplastics on Early Plant Development.”
By Ian Dinkins, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications

Anisha Nachnani ’32 was awarded first place at the Middle Tennessee Science and Engineering Fair. Anisha won the award for her project, “Plastic Beneath the Surface: Quantifying the Impact of Soil Microplastics on Early Plant Development.” 

“I was able to stop by her project during judging and was so impressed,” said Sixth Grade Science Teacher Selene Willis. “It’s not every day that a sixth grader can clearly explain how she used statistical analysis, including Analysis of Variance, to analyze her data.”

Anisha joins a proud group of fellow USN students, including Sam Lustig '23, Lin Zheng '26, and her sister Eesha Nachnani ’28, who have excelled at MTSEF over the last few years. This year, Eesha placed second at MTSEF for her research on the harm of microplastics, which she also presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session last spring.

In addition to her recognition at the fair, Anisha was nominated for the prestigious Thermo Fisher Junior Innovators Challenge Awards, a national STEM competition that recognizes exceptional young scientists and engineers. Only the top 10% of middle school science fair participants nationwide receive nomination packets to apply, making this an outstanding honor. 

Congratulations to Anisha and Esha for their achievements.
Back

More USN News

List of 3 news stories.

  • Henry Knowles ’26 delivers the Commencement address on Sunday, May 17 on the Back Lawn.

    USN graduates 98 plus 1 during Commencement

    Seniors turned their tassels and graduated from University School of Nashville on Sunday, May 17, on the Back Lawn. Visit usn.org/classof2026 for more highlights from their last year on Edgehill and to learn what they will do next.
    Read More
  • Spring sports season ends with podium finishes, trophies

    The girls lacrosse team ended its season in overtime to become state runner-up. Tennis players Carter Kojetin '29 finished as a state quarterfinalist, Sophie Oliver '26 and Mary Kate Adler '28 finished as state semifinalists, and Veer Kodali '29 and Max Parker '29 finished as state champions. Meanwhile, eight runners competed at the state track and field meet in Knoxville, where Griffin Davidson '27, Caleb Freifeld '28, Drew Zwerner '28, and Jack Fruin '27, sprinted to first in the 4x800m relay and Jack also placed first in the 800m dash.
    Read More
  • Interim Director Juliet Douglas roars with laughter as students hold photos of her on sticks during the High School Awards Assembly on Friday, May 8 in Durnan Auditorium.

    USN creates the Juliet Douglas Endowed Fund for Student Success

    For the entire USN community: an invitation to give in gratitude, in celebration, and in honor of the woman who has given so much to our school. Make a gift at usn.org/giving to support students with needs beyond tuition and honor Interim Director Juliet Douglas.
    Read More
Archive
USN Mission: 
University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.