Westchester County semi-finalists of the 2018 Regeneron Science Talent Search Jan. 17, 2018 -- Recognizing their hard work, determination and curiosity, Westchester County Executive George Latimer hosted Westchester’s semi-finalists of the 2018 Regeneron Science Talent Search. The 22 students from 11 school districts were given a certificate of merit and congratulated by Latimer for their resolve, hard-work and accomplishment.

Latimer said: “I am inspired by these remarkable students, and this astounding accomplishment. I have no doubt that they will go very far in their lives and careers. As County residents, we should all be very proud of not only the students, but also their parents, teachers and the school districts we have here in Westchester.”

The semi-finalists were selected based on their exceptional research skills, commitment to academics, innovative thinking and promise as scientists. The topics for the students’ research projects ranged from cellular and molecular biology, to medicine and health, to environmental science. Each of the semi-finalists were asked to submit their independent research to compete for $2,000 in award money as well as $2,000 in college tuition assistance. Of the 300 semi-finalists selected nationwide, 23 were from Westchester County. The 40 finalists will be named on January 23, and will compete in Washington D.C. in March for up to $250,000 in prize money.

“Regeneron is thrilled to partner with Society for Science & the Public to celebrate the 300 Science Talent Search scholars,” said Hala Mirza, Vice President of Corporate Communications and Citizenship at Regeneron. “We are inspired by their curiosity and passion for discovery, and congratulate them on their work and dedication. We hope the Regeneron Science Talent Search shows young people everywhere that they can change the world through STEM.”

Michael Winitch, a senior at Edgemont High School, said he is thrilled to be honored by Latimer. “It’s really nice on his behalf, and it’s so great to know that so many people from my peers to teachers at my school are all so happy for me. This has been such a great experience.”

Randy Gunnell, Science Research Teacher at Harrison High School, said this is the first time one of his students placed in the Regeneron Science Talent Search: “It shows a huge amount of growth and it’s so rewarding to see such a big change over the past few years. It stresses the importance of students taking ownership of their own passion, and their own research.”

The first-round winners from Westchester County are:

Ardsley
Tara Venkatadri
Margaret Zhong

Blind Brook
Jared Bassett

Byram Hills
Alexis Aberman
Alexandra Brocato
Stella Li
Jeremy Ma
Kylie Roslin

Dobbs Ferry
Rebecca Cadenhead

Edgemont
Grace Wang
Michael Winitch

The Hackley School
Jasmine Bayrooti

Harrison
Chanha Kim
Brian Siegel

Hastings on Hudson
Hannah Scotch

Mamaroneck
Marina Tosi
Rebecca Marcus

Ossining
Sarah Hoffman
Catherine Kamp
Emma San Martin
Skyler Jones

Pelham
Jillian Harrison
(Could not attend)

Yorktown
Rory O’Brien

 

Ardsley High School: Tara Venkatadri and Margaret Zhong

Blind Brook High School: Jared Bassett

 

Byram Hills High School: Alexis Aberman, Alexandra Brocato, Stella Li, Jeremy Ma and Kylie Roslin

Edgemont High School: Grace Wang and Michael Winitch

 

Hackley High School: Jasmine Bayrooti

Harrison High School: Chanha Kim and Brian Siegel

 

Hastings on Hudson High School: Hannah Scotch

Mamaroneck High School: Marina Tosi and Rebecca Marcus

 

Ossining High School: Sarah Hoffman, Catherine Kamp, Emma San Martin and Skyler Jones

Yorktown High School: Rory O’Brien

 

Students and Teachers