Senior Named Nation’s Top 300 Teen Scientists Wins a Scholarship

Harmony School of Endeavor senior Umar Haneef Mohammed, age 17, was named among the top 300 STEM students in the United States in the Society of Science's Regeneron Science Talent Search (RSTS). Out of 2,471 applicants—the largest entrant pool since 1967—Umar's research stood out, earning him this remarkable recognition.

Scholars were chosen based on their outstanding research, leadership skills, community involvement, commitment to academics, creativity in asking scientific questions and exceptional promise as STEM leaders demonstrated through submitting their original, independent research projects, essays and recommendations. The 300 scholars hail from 200 American and international high schools in 33 states, Washington D.C., China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Switzerland.

For his project entitled SOAR: Automatically Differentiable Neural Network Aerodynamic Surrogate Models and Lifting Line Theory for Computationally Efficient Wing-Shape Optimization, Umar won a $2,000 scholarship for himself and an additional $2,000 for HSE. As a top 300 finalist, Umar can continue to the next level of the competition. On January 23, 2025, 40 of the 300 scholars will be named RSTS finalists. The finalists will compete for more than $1.8 million in awards during a week-long Washington, D.C. competition from March 6-12, 2025.

For over eight decades, the RSTS has rewarded talented high school seniors who dedicate countless hours to original research projects and present their results in rigorous reports that resemble graduate school theses.

The RSTS recognizes and empowers our nation's most promising young scientists who generate innovative solutions to significant global challenges through rigorous research and discoveries. The competition provides students with a national stage to present new ideas and challenge conventional ways of thinking.

Now in its 103rd year, the Society for Science has played a significant role in educating the public about scientific discoveries and identifying future leaders in science, technology, engineering and math. Regeneron has sponsored the RSTS since 2017 as part of its deep commitment to STEM education and supporting young scientists.

Harmony blends the highest standards and expectations with rigorous math- and science-centered curriculum and dedicated and engaged teachers and families to cultivate excellence and prepare students to succeed in college, careers, and life. At Harmony Public Schools, every child can succeed and is committed to helping them realize their full potential.

About Harmony Public Schools
Harmony Public Schools are more than 70 high-performing PreK-12 college preparatory charter schools throughout Texas. Harmony blends the highest standards and expectations with a rigorous math- and science-centered curriculum and dedicated and engaged teachers and families to cultivate excellence and prepare students to succeed in college, careers, and life. At Harmony Public Schools, believes every child can succeed and realize their full potential. To learn more about Harmony Public Schools, please visit harmonytx.org. Harmony is currently accepting applications for the 2025-2026 academic year. Students may apply at harmonytx.org/apply.