Seventh Grader’s Invention Earns National Recognition

Congratulations to Oliver Cottrell ’30 for earning one of the 30 finalist spots in the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge for his invention of the Automatic Hockey Puck Passer Machine. Oliver will head to Washington, D.C., from Oct. 25–30 to compete for awards up to $25,000. Judges will evaluate finalists on their scientific research, communication, creativity, and collaboration during team challenges. 

Oliver’s journey began in the fall of 2023 when he joined an LJCDS after-school science and engineering program with Middle School Science Educators Matt Bessler and Noa Parker.

“When I was a kid, I loved books with machines, tools, and robots,” Oliver recalls. “I dreamed of inventing machines. When I saw videos of engineers and scientists on YouTube, I knew this class was my chance to make that dream a reality.”

During the program, students brainstormed inventions and refined ideas within time, space, and resource constraints. The teachers helped mold their projects, guiding them in writing the procedures, analyzing results, and building presentation skills.

“Oliver has these really big, amazing ideas,” says Ms. Parker. “We helped him focus on getting everything on paper for the fair’s detailed submission process. He spent a lot of time at home creating the invention, and then we had several in-class check-ins. His hard work paid off, and it’s exciting to see that his growth has continued in seventh-grade science. He applied the skills he learned during his group’s first lab, and the results were incredible.”

In January 2024, Oliver and 10 other Torreys were accepted into the 70th Annual Greater San Diego Science & Engineering Fair. Oliver won several awards, including an invitation to the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge. Out of nearly 2,000 applicants nationwide, he advanced to the Top 30 finalists.

Oliver spent countless hours at home researching, building, testing, troubleshooting, and working with power tools (under his father’s supervision)—though he’ll have to wait a few more years to use the circular saw. The knowledge he gained extended beyond just building a machine.

“This experience taught me a lot about myself,” Oliver reflects. “I realized I have determination and persistence. I stuck with my project and overcame the challenges. Presenting to the judges was scary, but I was proud of how I explained my invention. I pushed myself and gained new ideas, and I’ve confirmed I really enjoy engineering.”

Watch Oliver’s interview on CBS News 8.