Meet the Hackley Student Shining Bright as a Finalist in the Prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search

January 24, 2025

By Rick Pezzullo—

Vivek Malik, a 17-year-old senior at Hackley School in Tarrytown, has made waves by becoming a finalist in the esteemed Regeneron Science Talent Search. Out of 300 applicants, only 40 were chosen by a panel of expert scientists.

Vivek’s project, titled “Novel Characterization of Plexin D1’s Role in Regulating the Macrophage Immune Response,” earned him recognition and a $25,000 award.

Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science, praised the finalists, saying they symbolize the potential of future leaders in science. “Investing in these young innovators is investing in a better tomorrow,” she stated.

The finalists will engage in a weeklong competition in March. Here, they’ll undergo a detailed judging process that evaluates their research and understanding of various scientific fields. They will compete for a share of over $1.8 million in awards, with top prizes ranging from $40,000 to $250,000. On March 9, they will also have a chance to present their work during a virtual “Public Day” event.

George D. Yancopoulos, co-founder of Regeneron, reflected on his experience as a former finalist. He highlighted the significance of nurturing scientific talent, noting that it can lead to life-changing innovations. “I see the same potential in these finalists,” he said.

Read or leave a comment on this story…