Eight high school students who collaborated with faculty mentors from Stony Brook University have been recognized as part of the top 300 scholars in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS). This competition is a prestigious science and math event for high school seniors, highlighting exceptional young scientists and engineers.
Five of these semifinalists are alumni of the Simons Summer Research Program at Stony Brook University, which prepares high school students for college-level research. Since its inception in 1997, nearly 600 semifinalists have emerged from this program under the guidance of Stony Brook faculty.
The Regeneron STS identifies promising young talent across the United States and internationally. This year, semifinalists were chosen from almost 2,500 applicants spanning 795 high schools across 48 states, Washington D.C., and 14 other countries. Each scholar will receive a $2,000 award along with their respective high schools. The competition will announce 40 finalists on January 23 who will vie for over $1.8 million in awards during an event in Washington D.C., scheduled for March.
Stony Brook University faculty members mentored seven scholars among the top contenders. These collaborations resulted in innovative projects such as detecting Parkinson’s disease via mobile games and optimizing processes to convert waste into useful materials.
Xiaojun Bi worked with Kaiyan Ling on using mobile technology to address health challenges. Elizabeth Boon collaborated with Natalie Osorio on investigating biochemical systems related to bacterial signaling. Brian Colle guided Dean Chen on improving weather prediction models using advanced technology.
Benjamin Hsiao contributed to two projects focused on sustainability: one with Richard Chai optimizing waste conversion processes and another with Mengnan Sun developing hydrogel beads for wastewater treatment. Minos Kritikos supported Lauren Hedges' research into neurological assessments linked to cognitive decline.
Ji Liu assisted Susie Lu with designing efficient network topologies, while Wei Yang worked alongside Daanish Baasi on studying inhibitors relevant to prostate cancer treatment.
The Regeneron STS has been celebrating scientific talent since 1942 under the administration of the Society for Science. "Congratulations to the 300 scholars in this year’s Regeneron Science Talent Search," said Maya Ajmera, president and CEO of the Society for Science. "These exceptional young scientists and engineers represent the best in the nation."