Get a behind-the-scenes look at the first virtual Regeneron Science Talent Search 2020 - Society for Science Skip to content

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the first virtual Regeneron Science Talent Search 2020

By Wendy Li

If you’re wondering what a virtual competition with the nation’s top 40 young scientists looks like, you’ve come to the right place. To ensure equity in judging, all of the Regeneron STS finalists received tech kits with rented laptops, hotspots, iPads (they could keep!), professional lighting kits and other technology. The students were also provided with the same virtual background and backdrop as well as T-shirts to wear. On top of all of that, students received packages filled with fun accessories to don for their daily dance breaks, show and tell events, game nights and other surprises, like portraits drawn by Portland, Oregon-based artist Amy Wike. Below is a behind the scenes look at what the virtual experience was like as shown through photos of this year’s STS class.

STS finalists received lots of packages from the Society. Pictured: Brendan Crotty, Sonja Michaluk, Lillian Kay Petersen and Cynthia Chen.
STS finalists received lots of packages from the Society. Pictured: Brendan Crotty, Sonja Michaluk, Lillian Kay Petersen and Cynthia Chen.
With tech and accessories in tow, here's how some STS finalist setups looked. Pictured: Ankush Dhawan, Victoria Graf, Caitlin Kunchar and Brian Wu.
With tech and accessories in tow, here’s how some STS finalist setups looked. Pictured: Ankush Dhawan, Victoria Graf, Caitlin Kunchar and Brian Wu.
All STS finalists had tech check appointments with the Society's IT team to make sure they were ready for judging. Pictured: Kyra McCreery.
All STS finalists had tech check appointments with the Society’s IT team to make sure they were ready for judging. Pictured: Kyra McCreery.
STS finalists' furry friends also participated. Pictured: Adriane Thompson.
STS finalists’ furry friends also participated. Pictured: Adriane Thompson.
Daily dance breaks encouraged STS finalists to rest and stretch in between their judging appointments.
Daily dance breaks encouraged STS finalists to rest and stretch in between their judging appointments.
The Society commissioned portraits of the finalists from artist Amy Wike. Pictured: Ari Firester.
The Society commissioned portraits of the finalists from artist Amy Wike. Pictured: Ari Firester.
Kyle Hill hosted a game night for STS finalists.
Kyle Hill hosted a game night for STS finalists.
Tech kits from the Society ensured equity in judging. Pictured: Anaiah Thomas.
Tech kits from the Society ensured equity in judging. Pictured: Anaiah Thomas.
Before the week ended, STS finalists also got a chance to learn a K-pop dance routine.
Before the week ended, STS finalists also got a chance to learn a K-pop dance routine.

Wendy Li