January 29, 2024: The oldest Science Talent Search competition in the US   has seen as many as 13 of the 40 top finalists, announced this week,  hail  from an Indian-American background.
Organised by  the Society for Science,  with support from leading biotechnology company Regeneron,  the contest saw entrants from 36 schools across 19 states, competing for more than $1.8 million, with a top prize of $250,000. Finalists for the 2024 competition were chosen based on their projects' scientific rigour and their potential to become world-changing scientists and leaders. They will  participate in a week-long competition from March 6-13, 2024.
The top 10 winners will be announced during an awards ceremony on March 14, streamed live from Washington, DC. The finalists are each awarded at least $25,000, and the top 10 awards range from $40,000 to $250,000. Says Maya Ajmera, President and CEO, Society for Science and Executive Publisher, Science News: "We applaud this dynamic group of Regeneron Science Talent Search finalists on their impressive achievement. As they follow in the footsteps of extraordinary STEM innovators, they are poised to solve the world's most intractable problems."
The  40 finalists  include  13 Indian-American students  and their  projects cover a wide swath of subjects and challenges.
Arnav Chakravarthy, a Bay area teenager,  received this accolade for his outstanding research work in biogenetics that bears a potential to  lead to the cure of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's. Three years ago Arnav and a fellow student created SciLynk, a science social network and platform connecting  students teachers and research professionals in the STEM industry. Read our  2021 report here.
Saraswathy Amjith, a STEM student from Redmond, Washington, submitted a novel  map-generating web tool using radar and satellite imagery.
Arav Bharghava from McLean, Virginia created a 3D-printed universal fit socket for amputees.

Read other project titles in the full list here