13 Indian American High Schoolers Among 40 Finalists in Regeneron Science Talent Search

Thirteen Indian American students have been chosen as 40 finalists in the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition. Each scholar will be awarded $2,000 each and their schools will be awarded $2,000 for each enrolled scholar. This year’s finalists’ research projects “span a wide range of critical topics, reflecting their diverse expertise and commitment to tackling society’s most pressing issues,” the Society for Science said in a press release. “Research areas include species migration, early detection crop protection, and low-cost pest treatment and management,” the press release said, adding that other finalists focused on disease diagnosis using tools like AI, and progression analysis, as well as genetic and cancer therapies.

“We celebrate this exceptional group of Regeneron Science Talent Search finalists for their outstanding achievements,” said Maya Ajmera, president and CEO of Society for Science and Executive Publisher of Science News. “These young people represent the future of innovation. By nurturing the next generation of scientific and engineering leaders, we are investing in a stronger economy and a better tomorrow, fueled by scientific and technological breakthroughs.”

Finalists will participate in a week-long competition from March 6-12, where they will undergo a rigorous judging process and compete for more than $1.8 million in awards. They will also have an opportunity to interact with leading scientists and share research with the public on March 9, both in person and virtually. The top 10 Regeneron Science Talent Search 2025 winners will be announced during an awards ceremony on March 11.

The Indian American finalists are as follows:

Laasya Acharya, Age: 17
William Mason High School, OH
Project Title: Implementing a Novel Multimodal Neural Network Approach Using Dynamic Hyperparameter Selection Within an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for the Early Detection of Crop Diseases

Vidya Ambati, Age: 17
Albemarle High School, VA
Project Title: Haloperidol Inhibits Inflammasome Activation via the Novel Receptor LAMTOR1 and Reduces the Risk of Rheumatoid and Gouty Arthritides

Prisha Prakash Bhat, Age: 17
Plano East Senior High School, TX
Project Title: Genetic Augmentation of Oryza sativa To Increase Drought and Arsenic Tolerance Through Overexpression of Aquaporin Genes

Ishana Chadha, Age: 17
Commack High School, NY
Project Title: Understanding Neuronal Migration in Brain Development: The Role of Oligophrenin1 in Modulating Radial Migration of Pyramidal Neurons by Interaction With Pacsin2

Vishwum Kapadia, Age: 17
University School, OH
Project Title: Change in Dicrotic Notch Index Predicts Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Transcatheter Edge-to-Edge Repair for Mitral Regurgitation

Hrithik Ketineni, Age: 17
Westview High School, OR
Project Title: Quantum Algorithm for Exact Minimal Exclusive-OR Sum-of-Product Minimization and Reversible Synthesis

Vivek Malik, Age: 17
Hackley School, NY
Project Title: Novel Characterization of Plexin D1’s Role in Regulating the Macrophage Immune Response

Atreya Manaswi, Age: 19
Orlando Science Middle/High School, FL
Project Title: Year 5: Engineering a Novel IoT Trapping System With a Multiple Linear Regression Model Toward Eco-Friendly, High-Efficacy and Low-Cost Honey Bee Pest Treatment and Management

Siddharth Nirgudkar, Age: 17
Acton-Boxborough Regional High School, MA
Project Title: Contextualized Transfer Learning: Transforming Heterogeneity Into Predictive Power With Generative Latent Structures in Resource-Limited Settings

Thanush Patlolla, Age: 17
William G. Enloe High School, NC
Project Title: Development of a Finite-Nuclear Model Based on Comprehensive Electron Scattering Data With the Use of Numeric Atom-Centered Orbitals

Yash Ranjith, Age: 18
Westmont High School, CA
Project Title: Modeling Pollution Spread With Obstructions Using Physics-Informed Neural Networks

Akilan Sankaran, Age: 17
Albuquerque Academy, NM
Project Title: From Walking to Tunneling: An Investigation of Generalized Pilot-Wave Dynamics

Sandeep Sawhney, Age: 18
Herricks High School, NY
Project Title: Gallium-Mediated DNA Tensegrity Triangle-Based Crystals: A Novel Prototype Facilitating Gallium Cancer Therapy