Ardsley High School Seniors Submit to the 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search

Ardsley High School proudly announces that 17 seniors from its Science Research Program have officially submitted their independent research projects to the 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS), the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science competition for high school students.

2026 Ardsley Regeneron STS Entrants:
Diya Sharma
Max Zhou
Maya Raman
Maya Laglenne
Serina Tomioka
Khushi Karthikeyan
Ayla Kowalsky
Liam Walsh
Amelia Walsh
Mioko Martin
Aayan Kapoor
Zayaan Rabbani
Kiarra Parikka
Avi Medar
Juliet Puliafico
Haley Albano
Emilio Rodriguez

Last year, Ardsley celebrated a semifinalist, an honor earned by fewer than 300 students nationwide, and this year’s submissions once again demonstrate the strength, diversity, and rigor of Ardsley’s three-year Science Research Program, directed by Mr. James Dowd and Ms. Diana Evangelista.

“These students have worked for years to design and execute original research that matters. Their perseverance, creativity, and scientific integrity represent the very best of what young scientists can achieve,” said Mr. Dowd.

The Regeneron Science Talent Search was founded in 1942 as the Westinghouse Science Talent Search and continues to celebrate the most promising future leaders in STEM. Each year, approximately 2,000 students nationwide enter Regeneron STS, representing just 0.01% of U.S. high school students. These young scientists submit original research addressing real-world scientific challenges, competing for more than $3 million in scholarships.

“It’s definitely tough, a lot to do, the material is dense, but it’s great to see it all coming together,” said Liam Walsh about his research on the treatments of pancreatic cancer.

“I love my mentor, we talk all the time. It’s very exciting, it’s a lot of work but it’s worth it,” added Haley Albano on her research on planned behavior for preschool teachers and the likelihood to intervene in conflict, while working with a private practice psychologist.

Scholars and semifinalists will be announced in January 2026, followed by the selection of finalists in March 2026.