Jesuit Portland Students Named Finalists in Regeneron Science Talent Search

Jesuit Portland senior Rupert Li has been named a top 40 finalist in the 79th Regeneron Science Talent Searchthe nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and mathematics competition for high school seniors. As a finalist, Li will travel to Washington, DC in March to participate in the Finals Week competition and will be awarded at least $25,000, with top honors receiving $250,000. Classmate and fellow Jesuit Portland senior, Soumik Chakraborty was named a top 300 finalist.

Li was selected from 1,993 entrants for his research project investigating the mathematical properties of the Abelian Sandpile Model, an area of abstract algebra with real-world applications for the study of natural phenomena such as the coordinated firing of brain cells, the behavior of ant colonies, and even the spread of forest fires.

The Regeneron Science Talent Search (Regeneron STS) recognizes and empowers most promising young scientists from the United States who are developing ideas that could solve society’s most urgent challenges.

Each year, nearly 1,900 students enter the Regeneron STS, submitting original research in critically important scientific fields of study. Unique among high school competitions, the Regeneron STS focuses on identifying, inspiring, and engaging the most promising scientists among the nation’s high school seniors.

To learn more about Regeneron STS click here.