Montgomery high school student among top 40 finalists in national science competition

A student from Montgomery is among the top 40 finalists in the Regeneron Science Talent Search by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and Society for Science. 

Billed as the "oldest and most prestigious science and math competition" for high school seniors in the U.S., the competition is now 84-years-old and rewards winners who submit projects with monetary prizes. 

“Every year, the Regeneron Science Talent Search helps inspire and engage a new wave of talented young scientists with the potential to improve the world,” said Regeneron Co-Found and President George D. Yancopoulos.

“I congratulate these exceptional young finalists as they embark on their scientific journeys. As someone who got my start in this very competition, I know firsthand how the Science Talent Search experience can help jumpstart students’ future academic and career journeys.”

The 40 finalists were selected from 300 students throughout the nation, who themselves were chosen out of 2,162 qualified entrants. A press release for the competition said that this was the largest collection of applications since the 1960s. 

“We applaud this dynamic group of Regeneron Science Talent Search finalists on their impressive achievement,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science. “As they follow in the footsteps of extraordinary STEM innovators, they are poised to solve the world’s most intractable problems.”

Among these was Rhea Rastogi from Loveless Academic Magnet Program High School. Her project is titled "Understanding How the Maternal Epigenetic Reprogramming Function of LSD1 Contributes to Inherited Developmental Disease". 

The final competition will be held on March 6-13 where more than $3 million will be awarded.