You don’t need a Ph.D. to be a genius. That was part of the message Tuesday night at Liberty Science Center during its 13th annual Genius Gala, where honorees ranged from Nobel laureates to a 24-year-old citizen scientist.

The Genius Gala celebrates trailblazers in science, technology, art, and education, while recognizing how their work is impacting the world. This year’s honorees included Jennifer Doudna, co-inventor of CRISPR gene-editing technology; Roya Mahboob, founder of an all-girls robotics team in Afghanistan; Edgar McGregor, an amateur meteorologist whose local weather warnings preceded official alerts during January’s wildfires in Los Angeles; and Leo Villareal, a digital artist known for large-scale light installations.

Doudna, a biochemist and 2020 Nobel laureate, received the Center’s highest honor, the Genius Award, for co-inventing CRISPR, the revolutionary gene-editing technology that allows scientists to alter DNA with precision. Her work in developing CRISPR technology has had significant impacts on genetic research and spurred major advances in medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology.

“What I’m really excited about is that I strongly believe we are on the verge of this technology becoming a standard of care, and something that is affordable. It’s going to take all of us to get it done,” Doudna said in her acceptance speech.

Mahboob was recognized with the inaugural Courage in STEM Award. A tech entrepreneur, she gained global attention after leading a team of Afghan girls in international robotics competitions, despite facing opposition from the Taliban. She has since launched educational centers aimed at increasing access to STEM training for young women in Afghanistan and South Asia.

McGregor, 24, also received a Genius Award for his grassroots meteorological reporting via his Facebook page “Altadena Weather and Climate,” where his early January wildfire warnings were credited with prompting evacuations in the San Rafael mountains. While he has no formal meteorological training, his forecasts have drawn praise from both the public and professionals for underscoring the role of citizen scientists in climate preparedness.

The final honoree, Villareal, a Brooklyn-based artist, received the Genius Award for his transformative work in digital art that combines digital code, light, and public space. His projects include “The Bay Lights,” a large-scale LED installation on the San Francisco Bay Bridge that combines technology and public art.

Dr. Margarita Camacho

The gala also paid tribute to Dr. Margarita Camacho, a cardiac surgeon at Newark Beth Israel Hospital who has performed over 700 heart transplants. Her work has been featured in the Center’s Live From Surgery and Meet the Surgeon educational programs, which have reached more than 13,000 students.

Liberty Science Center CEO Paul Hoffman, who founded the Genius Awards, described the event as a celebration of science, creativity, and perseverance. “This year’s honorees exemplify the boundless potential of science, resilience, and imagination,” Hoffman said. “Each has redefined what’s possible — and they’ve done so in ways that lift up their communities and inspire future generations.”

The gala featured remarks from Governor Phil Murphy and Mayor Steve Fulop. , and included a performance by 13-year-old piano prodigy Jude Kofie, who overcame early health challenges to perform on national television with Kelly Clarkson and alongside gospel singer CeCe Winans.

While the evening served as a fundraising event for the Center’s STEM education initiatives, it also functioned as a broader platform to recognize varied paths to innovation. The Genius Gala has raised more than $25 million since its launch, helping expand programming for students, particularly in underserved communities.

Each year’s honorees are also included in Liberty Science Center’s permanent Genius Gallery exhibition, alongside past recipients such as Jennifer A. Lewis, Temple Grandin, Jeff Bezos, Jane Goodall, and Katalin Karikó.