Walnut Senior Among Top 300 Scholars In Science Talent Search

WALNUT, CA — A Walnut High School senior scored high in this year's oldest and most prestigious science and math competition. The Regeneron Science Talent Search identified 300 scholars from across the nation out of a talent pool of almost 2,000 entrants from 659 high schools.

Each scholar was selected based on their exceptional research skills, commitment to academics, innovative thinking and promise as scientists, a spokesperson said. All hail from 192 American and international high schools in 39 states and Guam. All were celebrated for their hard work and fresh perspective on significant global challenges.

Research projects covered topics ranging from medicine and health to environmental science.

At Walnut High School Senior Ken Cheng, 17, was recognized for work in the area of Quantum Chemical Study of Molecular Structures and Stabilities of Iron Complexes Containing Nitric Oxide and Imidazole-Based Ligands.

"We are inspired by the incredible energy and passion of every scholar who is using research to make the world a better place," said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science & the Public, Publisher of Science News and 1985 Science Talent Search alum. "These young students will be the key to unlocking solutions to many of our world’s most pressing challenges."

Each student selected will earn a scholarship of $2,000 and an additional $2,000 award goes toward their respective high school, a spokesperson for the talent search said.

"Congratulations to all 300 scholars from this year’s Regeneron Science Talent Search and welcome to a network of exceptional student leaders and innovators," said Hala Mirza, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and Citizenship at Regeneron. "We are thrilled to recognize and honor these students for the many contributions they are making to the STEM community and our broader society. With such a wide array of interests and high-quality work, we are eager to follow their progress in the years to come."

On January 22, 40 of the 300 scholars will be named Regeneron Science Talent Search finalists. Finalists receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., from March 5-11, when they will compete for more than $1.8 million in awards provided by Regeneron.