Harriton Senior Named Scholar In Regeneron Science Talent Search

BRYN MAWR, PA – A Harriton High School senior recently earned high honored in a science competition, according to the Lower Merion School District.

Harriton High School senior Samuel Weissman was named a top-300 scholar in the 78th Annual Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS).

Weissman was selected from more than 2,000 student applicants from throughout the nation for his project titled "Massive Longitudinal HIV Sequencing in Two Subjects on Antiretroviral Therapy Reveals Opposing Selection Pressures on Treatment Resistant Reservoir and Suggests New Drug Targets."

The STS is the nation's oldest and most prestigious science and mathematics competition for high school seniors.

Each scholar — selected based on their exceptional research skills, commitment to academics, innovative thinking and promise as scientists — receives a $2,000 award with an additional $2,000 going to his or her respective school to use towards STEM-related activities.

As a top-300 scholar, Weissman has also earned himself the opportunity to be named one of 40 finalists, who each will receive a $25,000 prize and are invited to Washington, D.C. for the final competition in March.

STS alumni have gone on to have world-changing careers in science and earn more than 100 of the most esteemed science and math honors, including 13 Nobel Prizes, 42 National Academy of Sciences Members, 19 MacArthur Foundation Fellows, 13 National Medals of Science and five Breakthrough Prize Winners."

Regeneron congratulates this year's Science Talent Search scholars, who have applied deep curiosity and rigorous research skills to the important scientific questions of today," said Hala Mirza, Senior Vice President of Corporate Communications and Citizenship at Regeneron. "These students are the future leaders of tomorrow and are using innovative thinking to improve the world. We hope their achievements will inspire young people to engage with STEM."

Image via Lower Merion School District