Local Student Finalist In Nationwide Science Talent Search

LA CRESCENTA, CA – A high school student from La Crescenta was among 40 finalists in the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and Society for Science & the Public announced. The competition is designed to engage and inspire the next generation of scientific leaders; alumni have won the Nobel Prize, founded successful companies and invented groundbreaking medical treatments, according to the press release.

Crescenta Valley High School senior Lyron Co Ting Keh developed machine learning algorithms with the potential to detect and diagnose six common cancer subtypes at an early stage using a single blood sample. His liquid biopsy could be more effective and less costly than existing tests, according to the press release.

Finalists were selected from a pool of nearly 2,000 entrants, all of whom completed an original research project and extensive application process. The Society and Regeneron named the top 300 scholars earlier this month, and the finalists were selected from that group "based on their projects’ scientific rigor and their potential to become world-changing scientists," according the press release.

“This year’s Regeneron Science Talent Search finalists are helping to advance solutions to some of our world’s most intractable challenges,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science & the Public and Publisher of Science News. “I’m so impressed by the hard work and brilliant thinking these 40 exceptional students have demonstrated in their research projects. I look forward to meeting them in D.C., and I am excited to see how their passion for science will impact our world.”

The finalists will travel to Washington, D.C. from March 7-13, where they will compete for more than $1.8 million in awards. They will also have the opportunity to interact with meet scientists and members of Congress, and display their projects to the public at the National Geographic Society, the press release said.

The finalists are each awarded at least $25,000, with the top 10 awards ranging from $40,000 to $250,000. The top 10 Regeneron Science Talent Search 2019 winners will be announced at a black-tie gala awards ceremony at the National Building Museum on March 12. A total of more than $3 million in awards will be distributed throughout the Regeneron Science Talent Search, the press release said.

Image courtesy of Society for Science & the Public