Three IUSD students have been named among the top 300 scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors.
Founded in 1942, the competition offers a chance for students to present their original research to professional scientists. Past contestants have won the world’s top science and math honors such as the Nobel Prize and National Medal of Science.
“It’s similar to winning the Oscars in movies,” said David Knight, chair of the science department at University High School. “It’s a big deal.”
Here are the three scholars from IUSD and their research topics:
University High School
Howard Ji, 17
Development of a Novel Autonomous Column-Climbing Robotic System (AutoBot) for Real-Time Detection and Mapping of Surface Cracks on Bridges
Julianne Wu, 17
Sex-Related Signaling of the Angiotensin II Pathway in Primary Aortic Smooth Muscle Cells
Woodbridge High School
Katherine Hua, 17
An AI-Powered Assistive Device for the Visually Impaired
“It is not surprising that we had three. It really validates the work these kids put in. It also validates the work of our science teachers and the time they invest in supporting kids.”
“We try to inspire kids to go beyond what’s just in our classes,” Knight added. “If they came in without a passion for science, we want them to come out with a passion for science.”
The top 300 scholars were selected from 1,964 entrants. Each student receives $2,000 with an additional $2,000 going to his or her school. Knight said the money to University High School will be used to support after-school programs such as Science Olympiad.
The contestants had to submit a written report on their research, teacher recommendations and a transcript as well as present their results in reports that resemble graduate school theses.
“The research process helped me grow as a student and person as I learned how to creatively present my findings, demonstrate deep critical thinking and refine my presentation skills,” stated Julianne Wu. “This recognition highlights all the hard work and passion I have put into this project, but is also a reflection of all the support and knowledge I’ve received from my teachers throughout my high school career.”
“It truly is a labor of love for them because they've spent an enormous amount of time during summers preparing not only their research but also their written material,” Knight said. “They’ve really worked hard over the past three or four years.”