From curiosity to confidence: Words of wisdom from Regeneron ISEF finalists
The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair is the world’s largest pre-collegiate STEM competition. This year’s fair welcomed nearly 2,000 finalists from almost 70 countries to Los Angeles for a week of STEM exchange and celebration. More than just a platform for the finalists to present their research to experts in their fields, Regeneron ISEF also aims to make a wider impact. For instance, during Education Outreach Day this year, we welcomed over 3,000 local students to Regeneron ISEF for a day of immersive STEM activities.
One of visiting students’ favorite destinations was a series of lightning talks, where they heard directly from the finalists. Between sharing insights from their research, to offering advice on following one’s STEM interests, the sessions were inspiring as well as illuminating. Here are some of the wise words shared by finalists:
Jia Zhe Chiah (Penang, Malaysia)
“It’s important to always be confident in yourself. If someone tries to talk you out of something by saying that it’s never been done before, or that you can’t do it, you shouldn’t listen to them. You should listen to yourself and why you think you can do it. Even if it doesn’t work out, that’s okay, and you should always try. Remember that failure is just a steppingstone to success.”
Arushi Dugar (Shaker Heights, Ohio)
“One roadblock I had to overcome early in my journey was when I interviewed to join my research lab. As they were grilling me about parts of the brain and how they work, I probably said, ‘I don’t know’ ninety percent of the time. But I said that even though I didn’t know, I really wanted to learn and to gain answers to those questions. It’s important to focus not only on your goals, but also on continuously learning. If you have curiosity, literally nothing can stop you, and you can go as far as you want.”
Antonia Kolb (Stamford, Connecticut)
“If you have a personal struggle, or any issue you encounter in your daily life where you wish there were a way to improve things—maybe there is! And you can be the one to find it.”
Antonia won the 3rd Award in Systems Software.
Jessica Singh (Bronx, New York)
“In middle school, I didn’t know what ISEF was, let alone what it would be like to go through the scientific process myself. But when I took AP Biology in high school, I realized that the world was so much broader than I thought it was. Science and science competitions can introduce you to so many people from so many different places—and so many opportunities and possibilities.
Jessica won the 4th Award in Behavioral & Social Sciences.
Michael Xu (Morristown, New Jersey)
“A lot of research is really difficult and, when you first start, you only have an idea. But every time you do an experiment or test another variable, you get one step closer to your destination. Even failure just means you learned one more thing that doesn’t work. I would encourage everyone in this room to think about what you want to do. It’s not going to be an easy journey, but you can take it one step at a time. Eventually you’ll reach your destination, while learning a lot along the way.”
Michael won the 4th Award in Engineering Technology: Statics & Dynamics and Special Awards from the International Council on Systems Engineering and the U.S. Agency for International Development.
Matthew “Jerry” Yao (Walla Walla, Washington)
“I have one word for you: ‘YouTube.’ It’s the single best resource ever. Go on YouTube and search for robotics, or math or science, and just watch several videos that come up. Eventually you’ll figure out what topics you’re interested in. These topics will be broad at first, but you’ll start to find specific ideas and questions you’re excited to learn more about.”
Jerry won the 4th Award in Technology Enhances the Arts.
For more from the fair, watch the Regeneron ISEF 2024 highlights video
