The Regeneron Science Talent Search is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. Founded by the Society for Science and sponsored by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, the competition highlights exceptional student researchers.
On Wednesday, the Society for Science announced 300 scholars selected from nearly 2,500 applicants. Submissions came from 795 high schools across 48 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, and 14 other countries. U.S. citizens living abroad are also eligible to apply.
Six Maryland students earned scholar recognition, including five from Montgomery County public high schools.
Judges selected scholars based on their original research projects, leadership, academic achievement, creativity, and community involvement. The winners represent 200 schools across 33 states, Washington, D.C., and international locations, including China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Switzerland.
Each year, 300 scholars and their schools receive recognition. From this group, 40 finalists advance to present their work, meet notable scientists, and compete for awards. The top prize is $250,000.
This year, one student from Poolesville High School and two each from Richard Montgomery and Montgomery Blair High Schools were named scholars. Each student won a $2,000 award, and their schools will receive matching funds totaling $10,000.
Montgomery County students named scholars:
Bryan Yung
Poolesville High School
Project Title: Feature, Brain Region and Frequency Band Contributions in EEG Classification of Frontotemporal Dementia
Naima Aubry-Romero
Richard Montgomery High School
Project Title: Modeling, Analysis and Prediction of COVID-19 Dynamics With Interacting Subpopulations and Implicit Behavior Using Physics-Informed Neural Networks
Iden Han
Richard Montgomery High School
Project Title: Using the Atlas Pressure Device To Study Roles of Piezo and YAP in the Nephrocyte Pressure Response
Yunyi Ling
Montgomery Blair High School
Project Title: Evolution and Costs of Streptomycin Resistance in Salmonella
Jason Youm
Montgomery Blair High School
Project Title: Average Rényi Entanglement Entropy in Gaussian Boson Sampling
On Jan. 23, 40 of the 300 scholars will be named Regeneron Science Talent Search finalists. The finalists will then compete for more than $1.8 million in awards during a week-long competition in Washington, D.C., taking place March 6-12.
