Setting up for the virtual Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021

March 16, 2021

The Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021 finalists have worked incredibly hard on their original research projects to ultimately be selected as the top 40 students to participate in this year’s virtual competition. We are proud to celebrate this group of promising young scientists who were selected from 1,760 applicants in an unprecedented year.

Ahead of finals week, the Society’s Events and Operations team was hard at work, assembling packages to be mailed to the students and ensuring they reached their destinations in a timely manner. All of the Regeneron STS finalists received tech kits with rented laptops, Wi-Fi hotspots, iPads, webcams, photo backdrops, professional lighting equipment and other technology to ensure a fair judging process and to eliminate any visual discrepancies. Each day, students had specific boxes with special gifts to open and unwrap. Below is a behind the scenes look at how this year’s top 40 young scientists in the nation prepared for the virtual competition.

Regeneron STS 2021 finalists Laalitya Acharya and Parisa Vaziri with boxes of equipment — Regeneron STS 2021 finalists Laalitya Acharya and Parisa Vaziri unpack their boxes of equipment and swag.

Regeneron STS 2021 finalists Akhilesh Balasingam and Sam Christian with boxes — Pictured from left to right: Regeneron STS 2021 finalists Akhilesh Balasingam and Sam Christian.

Regeneron STS 2021 finalist Vivian Yee with "Day 2" sign — Regeneron STS 2021 finalist Vivian Yee prepares for the second day of judging.

Regeneron STS 2021 finalist Edgar Sosa prepares for judging.

Regeneron STS finalists Eleanor Sigrest, Jason Zhang and Jessie Gan — Pictured clockwise: Eleanor Sigrest, Jason Zhang and Jessie Gan.

Regeneron STS 2021 finalists Amy Guan, Hannah Goldenberg, Marvin Li and Alay Shah — Each finalist’s judging set-up looked a little different. Pictured: Amy Guan, Hannah Goldenberg, Marvin Li and Alay Shah.

Regeneron STS 2021 finalist Michael Gomez with special gifts the students received from Nobel laureates.

Regeneron STS 2021 finalists Michael Pavelchek, Amy Zhou, Anushka Sanyal and Andrei Mandelshtam pictured with their portraits drawn by Amy Wike — Students were gifted portraits of themselves drawn by Portland, Oregon-based artist Amy Wike. Pictured: Michael Pavelchek, Amy Zhou, Anushka Sanyal and Andrei Mandelshtam.

Regeneron STS 2021 finalist Rebecca Monge sporting a scarf gifted by Nobel laureate Walter Gilbert.

Be sure to tune in on March 17 at 8pm ET for the virtual Awards Ceremony! You can stream it live on YouTube.

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