Congresswoman Torres Announces 2025 CA-35 Congressional App Challenge Winners
Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Norma Torres, announced the winners of the 2025 Congressional App Challenge for California’s 35th District, siblings Alexander and Melissa Lee of Pomona. The annual competition, hosted by the U.S. House of Representatives, encourages middle and high school students to pursue careers in STEM.
The siblings won for their app, Internet of Things Chair, inspired by their volunteer work at a surgery center. The app uses Wi-Fi–enabled technology to automate clinical chair-stand tests used to assess fall risk in older adults. By generating detailed, objective data on leg strength, balance, and fall risk, the system reduces the burden on medical providers, improves patient care, and helps prevent serious injuries. Alexander and Melissa are the first repeat winners of the competition in CA-35, having also won in 2023.
“I am incredibly proud of Alexander and Melissa and the thoughtfulness behind this app,” said Congresswoman Torres. “They identified a serious public health challenge preventing falls among older adults, and built a solution that is innovative, practical, and rooted in compassion. Their work shows the power of STEM education and the incredible talent we have right here in the 35th District. These are exactly the kinds of young leaders and problem solvers our country needs.”
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