Leanne Fan

Winner of the 2022 3M Young Scientist Challenge

Leanne Fan invented the Finsen Headphones, a prototype that detects and treats mid-ear infections using acoustic reflectometry, machine learning, and phototherapy.

A high schooler from San Diego, Fan was named America’s Top Young Scientist by 3M and Discovery Education in 2022 and rang the New York Stock Exchange opening bell. She is a finalist in the 2024 Regeneron ISEF and spoke in a health technology panel at the Aspen Ideas Health Festival, meeting influential figures such as Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Vivek Murthy.

Fan strives to provide a low cost and non-medicinal ear infection treatment in place of antibiotics for kids to prevent hearing loss, control the infection before surgery is needed, and reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance. She also encourages science and art in her community and in younger children by promoting her local science fair and teaching children science at science expos.

Currently, Fan is researching the use of photobiomodulation in simulated microgravity to induce and accelerate wound healing during long term space travel in an effort to provide affordable wound care on Earth and in space.