Liberty student among finalists in National Science Bee
MADISON – His solid, technical background earned Ryan Ranjan a top place in the 2025 National Science Bee, organized by International Academic Competitions.
Ranjan, a prospective seventh-grader at Liberty Middle School, finished in seventh place among 174 students from across the country. National Science Bee is one of the country’s most respected academic competitions.
In Ranjan’s grade, 174 students from different states qualified for nationals. Through every level, Ranjan continued to advance: • Quarterfinals — Ranjan scored the highest points in all divisions, surpassing all 64 qualifiers.
• Semifinals – Again led the field by earning the top score among 24 selected semifinalists in his division.
• Finals — Secured an impressive seventh place nationally among nine finalists at the competition at Hyatt International in Orlando, Fla.
In addition to the National Science Bee, the event included individual test competitions. Showcasing his academic range, Ranjan earned top honors in individual subject exams: Gold Medal in National Physical Science Exam and Silver Medal in National Earth Science Exam.
For two consecutive years, Ranjan has entered the National Science Bee. In 2024, he advanced to semifinals and received a gold medal in the National Physical Science Exam and a silver medal in the National Biology Exam.
Ranjan has compiled many honors with Liberty in Division 1:
• Muscle Shoals Math Tournament – received gold medal among 90 students across North Alabama.
• Bob Jones Math Tournament – won silver medal.
• Pizitz Math Tournament — secured second place.
• Alabama Regional Science Bowl – Advanced to semifinals with Liberty’s Team B.
• Science Fair, U.S. Space & Rocket Center/NASA – First place and Best Overall Project in Junior Division.
• North Alabama Regional Science and Engineering Fair — Best Overall Project award from The Aerospace Corporation, Award of Excellence from the U.S. Army and second place for the fair in Engineering.
• Alabama State Science and Engineering Fair Represented region at Auburn University; his project received Best Project Award from Robotic Society of Auburn.
Ranjan’s coaches were Abhilasha Sinha, a former physician from India and currently an epidemiologist in neurological research, and Dr. Rakesh Ranjan, a former scientific advisor at General Dynamics and currently serving at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Their expert guidance and mentorship were instrumental in my preparation and success, Ranjan said.
Ryan and his parents, Rakesh Ranjan and Abhilasha Sinha, extended special thanks to Karen Price, Science Department Chair at Liberty, for her support and encouragement throughout his journey. In addition, they are grateful to the entire Liberty community for fostering an environment that supports academic excellence.
In free time, Ranjan plays the tabla, an Indian drum. He has performed for Huntsville India Association and multicultural nights at school. A music enthusiast, Ranjan likes quality time with friends and family. He also is interested in building circuits.
