Ossining Senior Wins $175,000 at Regeneron Science Talent Search 2024

Ossining High School Senior Thomas Cong has been awarded second place and a prize of $175,000 at the Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) 2024. Organized by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and the Society for Science, the STS is America’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors.

Thomas was honored during an award ceremony on March 12, where more than $1.8 million was awarded to recognize the achievements of all STS 2024 winners. According to the Society for Science, the finalists were selected from the largest entrant pool since the 1960s through a holistic evaluation process.

Thomas's research focused on investigating the rapid growth of certain cancers and whether information controlling metabolism is primarily controlled by the expression of genetic information. His findings revealed significant differences in metabolism and gene expression in immune cancers, shedding new light on the complex landscape of metabolic variation in cancer studies.

“Winning this award is validation of the countless hours of hard work and dedication I poured into my research,” said Thomas. “I’m honored to be recognized on a national stage, and this achievement motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of knowledge in the field of science. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity, and excited to see where it takes me in the future.”

Thomas's award is an exceptional achievement of national significance. Each year, thousands of students participate in rigorous research projects, and being selected as a second-place winner demonstrates his commitment, creativity, and extensive scientific knowledge. This honor not only places Thomas among the top young scientists in the country but also highlights his exceptional talent and the groundbreaking nature of his research.

Valerie Holmes, co-director of Ossining's Science Research Program, noted that Thomas's incredible achievement underscores the exceptional caliber of science research students at Ossining High School.

"It's such an amazing accomplishment for us to have a student succeed at this level!” exclaimed Ms. Holmes. “Thomas’s dedication to scientific inquiry and his innovative approach to understanding cancer metabolism exemplify the spirit of our program. We are incredibly proud of Thomas and his research, which has the potential to impact the field of oncology in profound ways.”

Angelo Piccirillo, co-director of Ossining's Science Research Program, likened Thomas’s research journey to “climbing Mount Everest without oxygen support.”

This is an extraordinary achievement that, frankly speaking, may not be fully appreciated by those outside the mainstream of scientific research,” Mr. Piccirillo remarked. “I am so proud of Thomas’s dedication and tireless effort, which involved countless hours of brainstorming, problem-solving, and collaboration with us and his mentor. While winning $175,000 is impressive, the true value of Thomas's work extends far beyond monetary rewards.”

Ms. Holmes and Mr. Piccirillo have played instrumental roles in shaping the program's growth and nurturing the inquisitive minds of aspiring young scientists like Thomas. Year after year, the dynamic duo has guided their students through novel and independent research at the graduate level, resulting in lasting impacts on the world of science through award-winning projects.

Thomas will now join the ranks of other STS alumni who have made significant contributions to STEM fields. Many alumni have gone on to achieve world-changing careers and receive esteemed honors such as the Nobel Prize, National Medal of Science, and MacArthur Foundation Fellowships.

“Congratulations to Thomas on this outstanding achievement,” said Interim Superintendent Mary Fox-Alter. “His dedication and perseverance have truly paid off, and I am immensely proud of his success. I would also like to thank Ms. Holmes and Mr. Piccirillo for their unwavering support and guidance. Their mentorship has been invaluable in nurturing Thomas's talent and cultivating a culture of scientific excellence at Ossining High School.”

Visit Thomas’s Virtual Public Exhibition

Watch the Awards Ceremony

Learn more about Ossining High School’s Science Research Program