By: Richard L. Smith
In Basking Ridge, a local student is quietly making a name for himself on an international level, and now his hometown has a chance to help lift him even higher. 
Seventeen-year-old Ryan Zhao has advanced to the semi-final round of the Breakthrough Junior Challenge, placing him among just 30 young creators selected from around the world.
According to information provided by the organizers, the annual competition encourages students to explain complex scientific ideas through creative storytelling.
It’s a global stage where imagination meets discovery, and Ryan’s work stood out for its clarity, originality, and heart.
His video takes viewers inside the world of Noether’s Theorem, a powerful mathematical idea that explains why certain conservation laws hold true, and why they sometimes do not.
Using smooth narration and engaging visuals, Ryan breaks down a topic that challenges even experienced scientists, showing how curiosity blended with creativity can open doors to understanding.
But his passion for teaching didn’t start with this contest. Ryan runs a growing YouTube channel called
The Chemistorian, where more than 4,600 subscribers tune in to learn chemistry, STEM concepts, and fascinating stories from science across different periods.
His mission has always been to make learning exciting and to demonstrate that young people can lead the conversation in science and innovation.
Now, the community can support him directly. Ryan’s video is posted on YouTube and Facebook, and public voting for the Popular Vote Challenge is open until December 9.
A win could help him secure part of a prize package valued at $400,000, including a college scholarship and a new science lab for his school.
Those supporting the effort hope residents will vote, share, and rally around a student whose work may inspire other young people in Basking Ridge to explore STEM, dream boldly, and create without limits.
Anyone wishing to learn more about Ryan or hear about the inspiration behind his video can request additional details, according to information provided.
