Westchester Seniors Shine in Regeneron Science Talent Search 2024
Thomas Cong and Christopher Zorn Advance to Final Round
In a remarkable display of scientific prowess, two Westchester seniors, Thomas Cong of Ossining High School and Christopher Zorn of Irvington High School, have been named among the 40 finalists in the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search 2024. This highly competitive STEM competition for high schoolers has a rich 83-year history of nurturing young scientific talent.
A Journey to Washington, D.C., and Beyond
The honor of being selected as a finalist brings with it an exciting opportunity for Cong and Zorn to participate in the next round of the competition, a week-long event to be held from March 6-13 in Washington, D.C. During this immersive experience, they will have the privilege of interacting with leading scientists, gaining invaluable insights into the world of scientific research.
Financial Rewards and Recognition
The Regeneron Science Talent Search not only celebrates scientific excellence but also provides substantial financial support to its finalists. Each finalist is guaranteed to receive a minimum of $25,000, with the top 10 awards ranging from $40,000 to a remarkable $250,000. Additionally, students who made it to the top 300 will each receive $2,000, and their respective schools will also be awarded $2,000 per student. This generous financial support underscores the competition’s commitment to fostering scientific education and encouraging future generations of scientists.
Cong’s and Zorn’s Groundbreaking Projects
Thomas Cong’s project delves into a complex area of cancer research, titled “Overlooked covariates in metabolite abundance levels: Systematically quantifying the information overlap between gene expression and metabolism across multiple cancer types.” His work aims to identify previously overlooked factors that influence metabolite abundance levels in cancer, potentially leading to a deeper understanding of cancer biology and the development of more effective treatments.
Christopher Zorn’s project, “The Role of MYC in RET Fusion Tumorigenesis and RET Inhibitor Resistance,” explores the role of the MYC gene in the development of RET fusion tumors and resistance to RET inhibitors. His research seeks to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying these processes, with the potential to improve targeted therapies for RET fusion-positive cancers.
Diverse Research Topics Among Finalists
The 40 finalists represent a diverse range of research interests, reflecting the breadth and depth of scientific inquiry among high school students. Multiple students chose to explore topics related to brain disorders, suicide risk, and anxiety, highlighting the pressing need for research in these areas. Others focused on developing accessibility devices, such as a robotic arm socket design, glasses for the visually impaired, and a column-climbing robot, demonstrating their commitment to innovation and improving the lives of others. Additionally, several finalists investigated local environmental issues, studying honeybees and colony collapse disorder as well as prevention of the invasive lantern fly, underscoring the importance of preserving biodiversity and addressing environmental challenges.
Celebrating Scientific Excellence
The Regeneron Science Talent Search 2024 serves as a testament to the remarkable scientific talent and intellectual curiosity among high school students. The achievements of Thomas Cong and Christopher Zorn, along with the other finalists, exemplify the bright future of scientific research and innovation. Their dedication, creativity, and passion for discovery are truly inspiring, and they represent the next generation of leaders who will shape the world through scientific advancements.