A science competition which awarded only $25,000 to a Texas teen for developing potential COVID-19 treatment is getting backlash.

According to a statement from Frisco Independent School District in Texas, Anika Chebrolu won the 3M Young Scientist Challenge after finding a molecule which can possibly be used as a drug treatment for the coronavirus.

Introducing America's Top #YoungScientist, 14-year-old Anika Chebrolu! Learn more about her winning project that won the top prize at this year's 3M Discovery Education Young Scientist Challenge: https://t.co/I5J7z6zlI4 ???????????? pic.twitter.com/jKHCTS3bcU

— 3M (@3M) October 15, 2020

“I developed this molecule that can bind to a certain protein on the SARS COVID-2 virus,” Chebrolu said, according to CBS DFW. “This protein by binding to it it will stop the function of the protein. I started with a database of over 682 million compounds.”

According to the school district, the 3M/Discovery Young Scientist Challenge is considered to be the nation’s premier middle school science competition.

The 14-year-old also earned the title of America’s Top Young Scientist and won a special destination trip in addition to the cash prize. But the award was not enough in the eyes of the public.

Anika Chebrolu

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