A remarkable young mind from Jericho High School has just achieved a monumental feat, earning a coveted spot as a finalist in the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search! This competition, a cornerstone of science and math exploration for decades, recognizes the brightest young researchers across the nation.
Ashka Shah, a graduating senior at Jericho High, has been honored as one of just 40 national finalists by the Society of Science, a distinguished nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. This incredible achievement comes with a significant reward: a minimum prize of $25,000 to support her future academic endeavors.
Ashka's groundbreaking research delves into the intricate mechanisms of how healthy cell growth can go awry, leading to cancer. The Society of Science highlighted that her work holds the potential to unlock new avenues for cancer treatments. Her project focused on a specific mutant protein, β-catenin, and its role in fueling cancer cell proliferation, with the help of another protein called Gid8. Remarkably, Ashka discovered a method to disrupt this interaction using a small fragment of the β-catenin protein itself.
Maya Ajmera, the president of the Society of Science, lauded Ashka's accomplishment, stating that her "innovative research on targeted cancer therapies demonstrates exceptional scientific rigor. Ashka is a shining example of Long Island’s next generation of innovators."
'It was a big deal'
Speaking from her school on Wednesday, Ashka shared the thrilling moment she received the news. "I was on the bus heading to a fencing match Tuesday night when I received a call from D.C. and learned I was a finalist," she recounted. Bound by the competition's rules to keep the news under wraps until the official announcement, she was able to share her joy with her parents and older sister, who were understandably ecstatic.
"They were freaking out. My parents were more excited than I was. My mom, no one wanted this more than her. And my dad was crying and it was, it was a big deal... my sister was ecstatic," Ashka exclaimed, her voice filled with emotion.
Interestingly, Ashka's journey to this national stage began years ago. When her older sister was named a Regeneron finalist back in the sixth grade, Ashka set her sights on a similar achievement, declaring, "I decided then I wanted to 'win it like her.'"
With aspirations of becoming a doctor, Ashka dedicated three years to her ambitious project. "It's just so exciting that I'm representing not only Jericho, but Long Island and New York," she beamed. "It's just proof that anyone can do anything."
The 40 finalists were meticulously selected from an initial pool of over 2,600 entrants from across the globe, who were first narrowed down to 300 semifinalists. Long Island demonstrated its scientific prowess with a remarkable 33 semifinalists, including an impressive 10 from Jericho High School alone! Just one semifinalist hailed from outside the United States.
Ashka's next exciting step involves an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., in March. There, she will join the other 39 finalists for a week-long immersion in scientific discovery. They will present their research, engage with leading scientists and government officials, and await the announcement of the top projects, with awards ranging from $40,000 for 10th place to a staggering $250,000 for the first-place winner. The judging criteria encompass not only the research itself but also the scholars' expertise and potential.
This top prize is widely regarded as the largest scientific award available to a high school student in the country.
Last year, Long Island proudly had six finalists, and in 2024, three students from the region reached this stage.
But here's where it gets interesting... While California led the nation this year with 10 finalists, and Texas with six, New York and New Jersey each secured five spots. This geographical distribution highlights the evolving landscape of STEM talent across the country.
Maya Ajmera noted that the applicant pool is dynamic each year. "As Regeneron and Society for Science continue efforts to broaden participation and expand access to STEM opportunities nationwide, we are seeing increased engagement from a wider range of schools and communities, which can lead to a more geographically diverse group of finalists," she explained.
To reach this elite level, these high school seniors must showcase exceptional leadership, advanced research skills, innovative thinking, and a clear vision for their future in science. The program is designed to be a powerful catalyst, inspiring participants and the public to envision solutions to the world's most pressing challenges and to "imagine what’s possible."
What do you think about the increasing diversity in STEM competitions? Do you believe initiatives to broaden participation are truly making a difference, or are there still significant barriers for aspiring young scientists? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
This is a developing story, and we'll bring you updates as they become available.
