Ana Ana Cisneros became the leader of her high school’s science research program in Long Island, New York. Uniondale High School’s student body is approximately 95% Latino and African American, groups which have been historically underrepresented in the winner’s circles of elite science contests. The camera follows Ana and her peers whose science savvy, specialized interest in botany, and whose utter determination take them to more competitions than just about any other school in New York State. Ana’s quest to become a Science Talent Search finalist results in personal discovery and a triumph for her family. It also gives her a good shot at getting into an Ivy League college—an opportunity she and her parents have dreamed of since Ana was a young child. "When you come from a community where not many of the students make it into Ivy League schools or can even be considered, just to have somebody say 'You know what, maybe you should apply to this school.  I think you have a real chance.' "

Kelydra Kelydra Welcker, from Parkersburg, West Virginia, placed herself and her family in an uncomfortable spotlight with her research on a contaminant (a byproduct of Teflon) that continues to be dumped into the Ohio River by a local company, the area’s largest employer and source of her father’s pension. The filmmaking team was especially drawn to the tension between how Kelydra navigated the space between industry, the environment and her idealistic drive to protect her community. "Here's my one chance to present my research to a community of scientists who actually care about what I've done.  A national audience.  You have your art majors, you have your sports idols. There are certain moments in a person's life that say that's what defines me... if you ask my friends who I am, they'll tell you: I'm the scientist."

Harmain Having moved to New York as a toddler, Harmain Khan’s family subsisted on welfare stamps and recycled aluminum cans. Science research not only gave Harmain a focus as he was growing up but also allowed him to imagine a world in which he could have a significant career. The ferocity of his need to win and prove to the world that he and his family are “good enough” pushes this charismatic young man to make a groundbreaking discovery in paleontology. His fear of being a “loser” challenges him to heal the wounds of a deeply impoverished upbringing. "I don't want to do what other teenagers do.  Because it just doesn't look like fun."