Mahikeng Teen, 14, Earns International Recognition for AI Lung Cancer Research
A 14-year-old Grade 9 learner from Curro Mahikeng, Brandon Mashandudze, has been named an American Lung Cancer Scholar for his research proposal exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) could improve the early detection of lung cancer.
Mashandudze received the recognition through the Lung Cancer Innovation Challenge, an international competition organised by the American Lung Association’s Lung Cancer Screening Initiative. The programme invites middle and high school learners to develop innovative projects focused on lung cancer awareness, screening and early detection.
His proposal explored how AI and digital health technologies could support lung cancer prevention, identify potential risks earlier and enable more personalised risk assessments.
To develop his research, Mashandudze independently studied oncology, epidemiology, machine learning and biostatistics, going beyond the subjects covered in the Grade 9 curriculum. He also refined his proposal through several rounds of revision.
His certificate, issued in association with a Harvard Medical School educational programme, was signed by Dr Chi-Fu Jeffrey Yang, a thoracic surgeon at Massachusetts General Hospital and an associate professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School. It recognised Mashandudze’s outstanding participation and dedication to advancing lung cancer research.
“AI isn’t here to replace doctors. It can be a tool to help doctors look at information and possibly identify things earlier,” Mashandudze said.
He explained that the project gradually developed into something more than a school assignment, becoming a genuine research investigation. He also hopes his achievement will encourage other young people to explore research opportunities rather than wait until they are older.
Curro Mahikeng executive head Janita Maritz described Mashandudze as hardworking, humble and curious. His physical sciences teacher, Miss Tshireletso Pitso, supported him with his research methodology and the presentation of his findings.
The school said it was proud to see his work receive international recognition.
The achievement adds to Mashandudze’s growing list of science and innovation accolades.
In 2025, he won a silver medal and the Junior AI for Impact Award at the Eskom Expo International Science Fair, following his regional gold medal and Best Project in Social Sciences award.
In 2026, he received the Best Innovation award and a Cell C Top Project Award at the Ngaka Modiri Molema Regional Science Fair. He later earned a bronze medal at the Eskom Expo for developing a mathematical model aimed at identifying optimal filtration points in municipal water networks.
His latest recognition highlights the potential of young South African innovators to contribute to research addressing real-world challenges.
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