MASON, Ohio (WKRC) - A Mason High School student has been recognized as one of the nation's top young scientists.

Laalitya Acharya is one of 40 finalists in the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search for 2021. She created a small, inexpensive, portable device that quickly identifies contaminating microbes in drinking water.

She was inspired after getting sick during a visit to India.

She earned $25,000 for being a finalist and will take part in a national competition in March where the top prize is $250,000.