Prince William County Student Named Regeneron Science Talent Search Finalist

MANASSAS, VA — A student at Colgan High School and Governor School @ Innovation Park is one of 40 finalists competing in the nation's most prestigious math and science competition for high school seniors.

The Regeneron Science Talent Search, in its 82nd year, described finalists as "extraordinary young minds who blend scientific talent, curiosity and bold leadership to drive meaningful change for society." Rania Lateef and 39 other finalists were chosen from 300 national semifinalists and more than 2,500 applicants. According to Regeneron, alumni of the program include 13 Nobel Prize winners, 23 MacArthur Fellowship recipients, and founders of notable companies.

As a finalist, Rania received a $27,000 prize and will compete for over $1.8 million in awards during the week-long Regeneron Science Talent Search competition on March 6 to 12 in Washington, D.C. Finalists will present their research projects to nationally-renowned scientists for the chance at the top prize of $250,000.

"Winning this award validates the work I’ve been doing in my own ‘basement lab’ and at my schools," said Lateef. "It shows me that you do not need to be in a high-powered research setting or surrounded by multiple PhDs and post docs to conduct meaningful research. You just need passion and commitment."

To qualify for the program, students had to complete an original research project. Lateef's project is titled "Rhythms and Blues: Evaluating the Impact of Artificial Light Exposure and Circadian Disruption on Biobehavioral Systems in Drosophila melanogaster." The project focuses on Circadian rhythm, the body's 24-hour cycle that can be disrupted by outside factors and lifestyle patterns.

"It’s the culmination of a very exciting journey where I set out to answer some questions about how disturbed sleep and altered Circadian rhythm can impact our physical and mental health," said Lateef.

Lateef is the daughter of the Prince William County School Board chair, Dr. Babur Lateef, and his wife, Dr. Tara Lateef. Teachers that have helped Lateef with her project were Stephanie Brown, the advanced placement biology teacher at Colgan, and Dr. Alexis Patanarut, chemistry teacher at the governor's school and a George Mason University professor.

Tara Lateef credited her daughter's success to personal determination and support from teachers, mentors, peers who influenced her research aspirations.

"I am incredibly grateful to the family of dedicated teachers and village of schools that has raised Rania with us," said Tara Leteef. "From being a Marshall eagle, then a Benton cougar and ultimately a Colgan shark, she has felt the love and embraced the guidance that these amazing educators have provided for her."

Other Virginia finalists are Vidya Ambati of Albemarle High School in Charlottesville and Ray Zhang of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Fairfax County.

Winners of the Regeneron Science Talent Search will be announced virtually on March 11 from an awards ceremony in D.C.