New Rochelle HS's Elena Coelho Adams Chosen As Regeneron Semifinalist

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — A New Rochelle High School student has earned a place among the country's most brilliant student researchers, while helping to make scientific progress to improve all of our lives in the process.

The top 300 scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2025, the nation's oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors, were announced Wednesday by the Society for Science. 18 of those scholars are from the Hudson Valley, including one from the City of New Rochelle School District. The full list of scholars can be viewed here.

SEE ALSO: 18 Hudson Valley Students Named Regeneron Scholars

New Rochelle High School senior Elena Coelho Adams was selected as one of the top 300 scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search, a recognition of her outstanding original research conducted through the school's Science Research Program. Her project was titled, "Music to My Eyes: The Relationships Between Auditory and Visual Input and the Formation of Synesthetic Associations."

Adams and New Rochelle High School each won $2,000.

"Elena never ceases to amaze us. Everyone in our research program is ecstatic over Elena's selection as a Scholar, and we're all phenomenally proud of her," said Jeff Wuebber, who directs the Science Research Program with Erica Curran.

"Working with Elena on her synesthesia research has been an inspiring reminder of the power of perseverance and curiosity," added Curran. "Her recognition as an STS Top 300 Scholar reflects her remarkable growth and dedication, and it’s an honor to celebrate this milestone with her.”

The Regeneron Science Talent Search scholars were selected from nearly 2,500 entrants from 795 high schools across 48 states, American Samoa, Guam, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and 14 other countries.

On Jan. 23, 40 of them will be named Regeneron Science Talent Search finalists. The finalists will then compete for more than $1.8 million in awards during a weeklong competition in Washington, D.C., from March 6 to March 12.

"Congratulations to the 300 scholars in this year’s Regeneron Science Talent Search," said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO, Society for Science and Executive Publisher, Science News. "With a record-breaking number of applications, these exceptional young scientists and engineers represent the best in the nation. We are thrilled to celebrate their ingenuity, hard work, and passion for STEM."

Scholars were chosen based on their outstanding research, leadership skills, community involvement, commitment to academics, creativity in asking scientific questions and demonstration of exceptional promise as leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through original, independent research projects, essays, and recommendations.

"I'm beyond honored to receive this recognition!" Adams said after hearing the news. "I'm so thankful for the opportunity to have participated in the science research program and for my teachers' tireless efforts throughout my four years as a part of it."

The school district says that Adams, who was named the New Rochelle High School Class of 2025 valedictorian, "is truly a remarkable and multi-talented student. This recognition is just the latest in a growing list of honors that she has garnered while at NRHS."

Other honors Adams earned while at NRHS:

• National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalist in science and mathematics
• Rensselaer Medal
• Bronze award at the International Genius Olympiad in Science
• Placed third twice and second once at the Westchester Science and Engineering Fair (WESEF).
• Co-president of the Math Honor Society
• Member of the Columbia Science Honors Program, for three years
• Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Humanities Award
• National Hispanic Recognition Award in humanities and cultural studies
• Volunteer English teacher for Brazilian students
• New York State Seal of Biliteracy in English, Spanish, and Portuguese
• Member of National Honor Society

Activities Adams participated in at NRHS:

• Member of PAVE Visual Arts
• President of the Book Club
• Co-president of New Rochelle United Science Exploration, the middle school science competition