Paris High School senior Arjan Khadka has earned national recognition for his scientific research, receiving an Honorable Mention in the highly competitive 2026 Genes in Space competition.

Khadka collaborated with Rithik Satarla, a student at Lambert High School in Cumming, Georgia, to develop a space-biology research proposal examining whether the human body's natural DNA-repair mechanisms could help protect astronauts from the effects of deep-space radiation during future missions to Mars and beyond.

Their proposal stood out in a record-breaking year for the national competition. Genes in Space received 980 team submissions representing 369 schools across 40 states and territories, with Khadka and Satarla among just 10 teams ultimately recognized with Honorable Mention distinction.

Genes in Space challenges students across the United States to design innovative DNA-analysis experiments addressing biological and health challenges associated with spaceflight and life aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

For their proposed experiment, Khadka and Satarla developed a plan to send DNA fragments to the ISS, where the strands would be exposed to conditions designed to study radiation damage and then treated with human DNA-repair proteins. Researchers would then use laboratory tools aboard the station to determine whether the repaired DNA could still be successfully copied and analyzed.

The results could help scientists better understand whether the body's natural biological repair processes could play a role in protecting astronauts from DNA damage caused by radiation during extended deep-space travel.

According to Genes in Space, Honorable Mention teams were recognized for demonstrating outstanding innovation and compelling scientific communication within an exceptionally competitive field of applicants. Khadka said proposals were evaluated by a judging panel that included scientists from miniPCR bio, Boeing, and NASA.

“Being recognized in a competition of this scale is incredibly meaningful,” Khadka said. “Working on this proposal gave us the opportunity to explore how biotechnology can be used to address real challenges astronauts face in space. Collaborating with Rithik and seeing our idea recognized nationally has made the experience even more rewarding.”

Khadka and Satarla now join a select group of young researchers recognized by Genes in Space for innovative thinking and their willingness to explore some of the scientific challenges facing the future of human space exploration.

From a Paris High School classroom to research ideas that could one day help humans travel farther into space, Khadka's accomplishment demonstrates the power of curiosity, collaboration, and thinking beyond boundaries.