In a world filled with discovery and adventure, there are those going beyond simply learning, immersing themselves in curiosity and exploration. CHS9 student Gautam Ajwani is one of them.
For Ajwani, science is not just a subject — it is a passion driving his desires to understand the world around him. Ajwani’s commitment to learning is evident by the consistent effort he puts into learning scientific concepts.
Ajwani’s love for science did not happen overnight, rather growing gradually over time.
“At first, I didn’t really find much interest in science, but as I delved deeper, I realized it wasn’t just about weather patterns or bone structure — it’s about everything: cells, chemistry, the very fundamentals that make up our world,” Ajwani said.
In January, Ajwani and CHS9 student Rohan Jain worked together to create a project for the Coppell High School Science Fair. Their project, Carbon Capturing Concrete, aimed to address the ongoing climate crisis.The project explored how concrete could capture carbon dioxide from the air through chemical reactions, ultimately helping reduce carbon footprints.
Behind the final presentation went much trial, error and patience. One of their biggest challenges being sourcing the right chemicals, which required assistance from an advisor.
“We did a lot of research finding materials containing magnesium that didn’t cost hundreds of dollars,” Ajwani said. “We eventually found something but it wasn’t as reactive but was usable and scalable.”
Their hard work paid off when they won first place in the CHS fair and an honorable mention at the regional fair, Dallas Regional Science and Engineering Fair, in February.
Ajwani’s interest in science is not just about understanding how things move in the world, but stems from a desire to see things from a unique perspective.
”What I love the most about science is that there’s always something to learn, something to experiment with,” Ajwani said. “In other classes, things often feel repetitive, but in science there’s always something to grow and discover from.”
Freshman Sidharta De, a friend of Ajwani and Jain who helped in the early stages of the project, saw the true passion Gautam had and his dedication towards the project. He wanted to echo his pure commitment and enthusiasm.
“Gautam is always looking to expand his knowledge, not just for himself, but for our team,” De said. “He understands the importance of science, and he’s committed to making a lasting impact.”
When Ajwani works with Jain, he does not just reflect as a teammate, but shines as a leader to make sure everyone is successful.
“Gautam is super well driven, has the best ideas and is someone you can undeniably count on,” Jain said. “He always looks to innovate ideas, refine our project and overall make the finished results better.”
Although Ajwani is proud of his work, the win was not just about the trophy. It ignited his passion for future experiments.
”Winning was amazing, but what really excited me was the realization that I made a change,” Ajwani said. “Now I want to keep going. I want to experiment more and push the boundaries of what we know in science.”
This commitment to making a difference motivates him in every area of his life. CHS9 biology teacher Laronna Doggett takes notice of his inquisitiveness in class.
“His curiosity is boundless,” Doggett said. “He’s not only learning the material; he’s looking for ways to apply it in real-world contexts.”
Ajwani’s story is still beginning. His willingness to explore more about science with Jain and De will pull him closer to future accomplishments.
“I want to be at the forefront of discovering new things, and I think science will be the perfect outlet for that,” Ajwani said.
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