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Two Plano ISD Seniors Advance to Regeneron Science Talent Search Top 40

January 23, 2025

On January 23, the Society for Science & the Public announced the 2025 top 40 finalists in the 84th Regeneron Science Talent Search. The finalists were selected from 300 top scholars and nearly 2,500 total entrants coming from 795 high schools across 48 states, Guam, Puerto Rico, and fourteen other countries - more than double the number of applicants from 2024, which was the highest number of entrants since 1969! Finalists were selected based on the originality and creativity of their scientific research, as well as their achievement and leadership both inside and outside of the classroom.

Two Plano ISD high school seniors were named to the Top 40. From March 6-12, all 40 finalists will compete in Washington, D.C. for more than $1.8 million in awards provided by Regeneron. Each finalist is awarded at least $25,000, with the top 10 awards ranging from $40,000 to $250,000. 

Congratulations to:

  • Prisha Bhat, Plano East Senior High School, “Genetic Augmentation of Oryza sativa To Increase Drought and Arsenic Tolerance Through Overexpression of Aquaporin Genes”
    Image of Prisha Bhat
    Image of Prisha Bhat.

  • Chloe Lee, Plano East Senior High School, “Chemical Modification of Acetaminophen To Reduce Liver Toxicity and Enhance Drug Efficacy"

image of chloe lee
Image of Chloe Lee.

The Regeneron Science Talent Search (Regeneron STS), a program of the Society for Science since 1942, is the nation’s most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. Alumni of STS have made extraordinary contributions to science and hold more than 100 of the world’s most distinguished science and math honors, including 13 Nobel Prizes, 23 MacArthur Fellowships, and founded numerous world-changing companies, including Regeneron.