Meet the 6 Exceptional Long Island Finalists in the Regeneron Science Talent Search!

Emma Wen, a student from Great Neck North High School, is making waves as one of six Long Island high school seniors named finalists in the renowned Regeneron Science Talent Search. This prestigious competition highlights innovative research by young scientists across the United States.

Emma, a lymphoma survivor, focused her work on a new treatment for pancreatic cancer. The Society for Science, which oversees the competition, announced that Emma is one of 40 national finalists. She’ll be joining other bright minds in Washington, D.C. in March to present their projects. Winners will be announced on March 11, with the top prize set at a whopping $250,000.

Long Island is well-represented this year, with five other finalists also recognized: Ishana Chadha from Commack High School, Amy Xiao from Garden City High School, Melody Hong from General Douglas MacArthur High School in Levittown, Jolene Cao from Smithtown High School East, and Sandeep Sawhney from Herricks High School in New Hyde Park. This region produced the highest number of scholars—49—in the country, showcasing its strong commitment to science education.

This year, an impressive nearly 2,500 students from 795 high schools applied to the competition. The increasing interest in STEM fields is evident, with Long Island educators noting that such competitions energize students to delve deeper into science and technology.

The projects presented by the six finalists cover a variety of crucial topics. Sandeep Sawhney worked on a container designed for cancer-fighting drugs that dissolve traditional gel capsules, helping reduce side effects. Ishana Chadha researched how brain cells move, while Jolene Cao created an eco-friendly nanomaterial. Amy Xiao studied a protein linked to improved cancer survival, and Melody Hong developed a statistical model to explore the connection between genetics, environment, and disease.

These impressive young researchers are paving the way for future innovations, demonstrating resilience and creativity in tackling some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare and beyond.

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