Usama M. Shaikh Assistant Chief Diversity Officer | Stony Brook University
Usama M. Shaikh Assistant Chief Diversity Officer | Stony Brook University
Eight high school students, mentored by seven faculty members from Stony Brook University, have been named among the top 300 scholars in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search (Regeneron STS). This prestigious competition is recognized as the nation's oldest science and math contest for high school seniors. The event acknowledges young scientists and engineers who exhibit creativity, leadership, and dedication to addressing global challenges.
Five of these semifinalists participated in Stony Brook University's Simons Summer Research Program. Since its inception in 1997, this program has guided nearly 600 semifinalists through college-level research with the help of university faculty.
The selection process for this year's competition was highly competitive, with almost 2,500 applicants from 795 high schools across 48 states, Washington D.C., and 14 other countries. Each scholar receives a $2,000 award alongside their respective high school. On January 23, forty finalists will be announced to compete for over $1.8 million in awards during an event in Washington D.C., scheduled from March 6-12.
Stony Brook's involvement includes mentoring projects ranging from detecting Parkinson’s disease via mobile games to optimizing processes that convert waste into fertilizers. Faculty mentors include Xiaojun Bi, Elizabeth Boon, Brian Colle, Benjamin Hsiao (who worked with two scholars), Minos Kritikos, Ji Liu, and Wei Yang.
Maya Ajmera, president and CEO of the Society for Science which administers the Regeneron STS said: “Congratulations to the 300 scholars in this year’s Regeneron Science Talent Search. These exceptional young scientists and engineers represent the best in the nation. We are thrilled to celebrate their ingenuity, hard work, and passion for STEM.”
The Regeneron STS has been recognizing promising young scientists since its establishment in 1942 by challenging them to present original research on critical scientific issues.