Orkin Awards $180,000 in Scholarships to Young Innovators Through Insect 2151 Science Fair

Competition Challenged Teens to Imagine Insect-Inspired Innovations to Solve the Problems of Tomorrow

ATLANTA (November 10, 2026) – Seven students from across the U.S. earned college scholarships by using insects to help solve tomorrow's biggest challenges. Orkin Pest Control is awarding these young innovators a combined $180,000 in scholarships through Orkin's Insect 2151 Science Fair. The national competition challenged students to explore how insects could inspire solutions to problems the world may face over the next 125 years.

“My impression in reviewing so many submissions is that, first and foremost, the future of the industry is in great hands”, said Dr. Shannon Sked, Orkin’s National Technical Director. “We were incredibly impressed by the creativity, ingenuity and scientific thinking demonstrated in students’ submissions. The quality of their work reflects tremendous curiosity and talent, and it’s exciting to see what the next generation of innovators can accomplish when encouraged to explore the possibilities of insect science.”

Tithi Mehta of Plainsboro, New Jersey, received the competition’s $100,000 grand prize for a project exploring how termite-mound architecture could help cool robots used in wildlife restoration after wildfires.

“Termites live in massive mounds, and their architecture can help regulate the conditions inside,” Mehta said in her submission. “There are lower openings where cooler air is inserted in, and through inner channels, the hot air rises out. So, I wondered, ‘could you use this principle to build cooling into a robot itself?’”

As the first-place winner, Mehta is also invited to join Orkin in Washington, D.C., during the opening of a new visitor experience at the O. Orkin Insect Zoo at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History in 2027, which Orkin is generously supporting.

A full list of scholarship recipients can be found below:

• First Place ($100,000): Tithi Mehta – Plainsboro, New Jersey

• Second Place ($40,000): Neela Chintapalli – Apex, North Carolina

• Third Place ($20,000): Miles Wu – New York, New York

• Honorable Mention ($5,000): Anna Keogler – Newton, Connecticut

• Honorable Mention ($5,000): Sylas White – Newburgh, Indiana

• Honorable Mention ($5,000): Rei Albertson – Dublin, Ohio

• Honorable Mention ($5,000): Michael Vadakkumpadan – Alpharetta, Georgia

Created in celebration of Orkin’s 125th anniversary, the Insect 2151 Science Fair was designed to challenge how young people think about insects. From innovations in technology, engineering, public health, art and design, the natural world offers opportunities for scientific discovery that extend well beyond traditional pest management.

“Insects play an essential role in our world, yet their importance is often overlooked,” said Dr. Daniel Suiter, Orkin Endowed Professor of Urban Entomology at the University of Georgia. “Educational programs like Insect 2151 help spark curiosity and inspire the next generation of professionals who will advance entomology and the many fields it touches. More than 40% of teens say they’re curious about insects, and 50% say they’re interested in learning more. When we encourage young people to think about insects beyond the pests they encounter in everyday life, we open the door to an entirely new world of scientific discovery.”

To learn more about Orkin’s commitment to education, click here. Explore the winning projects and learn more about the Orkin Insect 2151 Science Fair.

About Orkin, LLC

Founded in 1901, Atlanta-based Orkin has been shaping the pest control industry for 125 years, providing protection against termite damage, rodents and insects through its commitment to scientific knowledge and unmatched training. From its earliest days to today, Orkin’s innovative spirit continues to define the future of pest management.

Orkin is dedicated to protecting the places where we live, work and play by helping prevent and control pests and educating consumers about the potential health risks they pose. Guided by a service-first mission to deliver peace of mind, Orkin Pros are trusted professionals who embody the company’s values of safety, integrity, professionalism, empathy and innovation. Since 2020, Orkin has partnered with the American Red Cross® to raise awareness about mosquito-borne health threats while supporting the nation’s blood supply through monetary contributions and blood donations.

Orkin has more than 400 owned and operated branch offices and nearly 50 franchises in the U.S. The company also has international franchises and subsidiaries in Canada, Europe, Central America, South America, the Caribbean, the Middle East, Asia, the Mediterranean, Africa and Mexico. Learn more about careers at Orkin here.

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