Three Blair seniors become 2023 Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars

Three Blair seniors become 2023 Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars

Photo: This year's Science Talent Search Scholars were announced Jan 10 (Courtesy of Society for Science).

This year's Science Talent Search Scholars were announced Jan 10 (Courtesy of Society for Science).

On Jan. 10, the Society for Science announced 300 scholars for the annual Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS). Among these scholars were Blair seniors Celine Wu, Nathan Shan and Joshua Wang. Each student submitted a project of their original research on a variety of scientific fields of study. Their projects were titled “Most Significant Factors Associated With Marijuana Use by U.S. High School,” “Built-In Injustice: Institutional Bias in Energy Infrastructure and Access” and “AutoPower: Detecting IoT Malware With Power Measurements,” respectively. 

The Regeneron Science Talent Search is the nation's oldest science and mathematics competition. Alumni consist of Nobel prize winners, MacArthur Fellows and entrepreneurs and innovators. Each year, 1,900 students submit their original research in hopes of eventually securing a grand prize of $250,000. Students who are selected as scholars are awarded $2,000 for themselves and their school.

Senior Joshua Wang’s research project, “Autopower: Detecting IoT Malware With Power Measurements,” focused on the susceptibility of unsecured smart devices like ring doorbells and smart watches to cyberattacks. He aimed to fix this issue by focusing on the usage of power. “My project aimed to flip this issue on its head, because in order to start an attack, you need to use power… if you don’t use power, you can’t do [that],” Wang said. 

Overall, the experience taught him about the steps that come before and after research. He credits his mentor, University of Maryland Professor Dave Levin, for playing a big role in his developmental process. Becoming a scholar was unexpected for Wang, and looking onto the next round of competition, he’s not expecting much. “[I'm] not too sure about [the next round]. Hopefully I will get it, but it’s already been a good surprise for me,” he said. 

Out of the 300 scholars, 40 finalists will be chosen on Jan. 24 to compete in a week-long competition in March to determine the grand prize winner. The 40 finalists will receive $25,000 and the grand prize winner will receive $250,000. 

Editor's Note: The Regeneron STS Scholars include Celine Wu, a member of SCO.