Indiana Student Shines on Global Stage at International Chemistry Olympiad

Indiana’s STEM community has a new reason to celebrate: Adam Madni, a standout student from Carmel High School, was part of the four-member Team USA that earned gold medals across the board at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO), held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from July 5 to 14, 2025.

Adam joined teammates Yash Shah (North Carolina), William Wang (Washington), and Max Zhou (California) in representing the United States against top chemistry students from 90 countries. Out of 354 participants, only 30 students earned gold medals—and all four U.S. team members were among them.

Adam’s achievement is a testament to Indiana’s growing reputation for excellence in STEM education. He advanced through rigorous local and national competitions as part of the American Chemical Society (ACS).  The local program for the ACS Indiana Section is administered by Dr. Robert Pribush, retired Chemistry Professor from Butler University, who continues to mentor and guide aspiring chemists in Indiana.

Beyond the exams—two grueling five-hour sessions covering theoretical and practical chemistry—Adam and his teammates bonded with students from around the world, toured Dubai’s scientific landmarks, and shared cultural experiences that made the event unforgettable.

This gold-medal performance adds to Indiana’s growing list of national and international STEM accolades in 2025, including top finishes in robotics, science fairs, and math competitions. Adam’s success is not just a personal triumph—it’s a beacon for young Hoosiers with big dreams in science.

To continue Indiana’s momentum in nurturing STEM excellence, Celebrate Science Indiana invites students, educators, families, and innovators to join us for a hands-on day of discovery and inspiration. Come explore the power of curiosity, meet experts from across the state, and ignite the next chapter of Indiana’s scientific story—maybe even alongside future Olympiad champions like Adam. Please register to attend, exhibit, or volunteer!

Team USA celebrates their gold-medal sweep at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad in Dubai, with Carmel High School’s Adam Madni standing proudly on the far right.