2023 Annual Report Banner - New Directions

Regeneron Science Talent Search

The Regeneron Science Talent Search is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science research competition for high school seniors. Representing the most promising young scientists in the country, each working to address society’s most pressing challenges, the 300 scholars and 40 finalists were selected from 1,949 applications from 627 high schools across 48 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and four other countries.

Neel Moudgal of Saline, Michigan, won the $250,000 top award. Second place and $175,000 went to Emily Ocasio of Fairfax, Virginia, and third place and $150,000 went to Ellen Xu of San Diego, California.

Siddhu Pachipala of The Woodlands, Texas, was named the Seaborg Award winner and given the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Regeneron STS Class of 2023 during the awards ceremony, which was emceed by journalist and author Soledad O’Brien.

The Top 3 Award Winners at the 2023 Regeneron Science Talent Search: Neel Moudgal (center)Emily Ocasio (left) and Ellen Xu (right)
2023 Regeneron STS Finalists on the U.S. Capitol steps

TOP WINNERS

Neel Moudgal, 1st-Place Winner of the 2023 Regeneron STS

Neel Moudgal won first place and $250,000 for his project, in which he created a computer model that can rapidly and reliably predict the structure of RNA molecules using only easily accessible data. He believes this will make it easier to diagnose and treat certain diseases.

Neal Moudgal at his project board, Regeneron STS 2023, Science Talent Search, project, public day

Emily Ocasio, 2nd-Place Winner of the 2023 Regeneron STS

Emily Ocasio won second place and $175,000 for using artificial intelligence to determine whether humanizing language was used by the Boston Globe in the years spanning 1976–1984 when describing homicide victims. She found that Black victims received less humanizing coverage than white victims. 

2023 Regeneron STS Finalist Emily Ocasio at the public exhibition of projects

Ellen Xu, 3rd-Place Winner of the 2023 Regeneron STS

Ellen Xu won third place and $150,000 for developing an algorithm that uses a smartphone photo of a patient to aid in the diagnosis of Kawasaki disease, the leading cause of acquired heart disease in children between ages one and five.

Ellen Xu at her project board, Regeneron STS 2023, Science Talent Search, project, public day

TOP MOMENTS

Regeneron STS 2023 Highlights

Take a look back at the top moments from Regeneron STS 2023 in our highlights video.

Sights and Scenes

In addition to presenting their projects and competing before the judges, the 2023 Regeneron STS finalists enjoyed a week of making friends; meeting STEM experts at Janelia Research Campus, including STS alumnus and Alumni Dinner speaker Dr. Ron Vale; and visiting the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. At the awards gala, the finalists spent time with Regeneron’s Scientific Founder, President and Chief Scientific Officer, George Yancopoulos (STS 1976), as well as the evening’s emcee, Soledad O’Brien.

Collage of photos from Regeneron STS finals week 2023

FROM THE FINALISTS

Ariella Blackman

“Regeneron STS has helped me realize that I am not a future scientist who hopes to change the world, but rather a current one who is already making an impact. This realization has helped me understand the importance of my passions and goals as I continue work in STEM fields, and I know my goals are within my reach if I continue working hard for them.”

Ariella Blackman at her project board 2023

Ethan Zhou

“The best part of finals week really is the people. Everyone has interesting projects and somehow does incredible things beyond their project, and getting to know them was so rewarding.”

2023 Regeneron STS Finalist Ethan Zhou at the public exhibition of projects

SOCIETY BLOG

Meet 9 Regeneron STS finalists with an entrepreneurial spirit

Several of the 2023 Regeneron STS finalists have founded organizations dedicated to sharing their passion for STEM, advancing social justice and giving back to their communities.

Regeneron STS finalists share their knowledge during the Virtual Public Exhibition of Projects

During the exhibition, finalists learned about each other’s projects and answered questions about their research during panel interviews, which were hosted by 2022 Regeneron STS Winner Christine Ye.

Discussing the importance of STEM ambassadorship with the Regeneron STS scholars

The top 300 Regeneron STS scholars gathered at a virtual event to learn more about the competition, discuss their research projects and hear from Maya Ajmera, President & CEO, Society for Science and Executive Publisher, Science News and George Yancopoulos, Regeneron’s  Scientific Founder, President and Chief Scientific Officer. Here is a summary of their conversation, from finding success in STEM to inspiring the next generation.