Chicago, USA: Thirteen Indian American high school students have been recognized as finalists in the prestigious 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS), a top STEM competition for U.S. seniors. These students were selected from nearly 2,500 applicants and represent an outstanding group of innovators.

The Regeneron STS, now in its 84th year, honors young talent in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The finalists, chosen from over 300 exceptional students, have conducted groundbreaking research in diverse fields such as AI-based disease diagnosis, early crop disease detection, cancer therapies, and more.

Finalists will compete for over $1.8 million in prizes from March 6-12, 2025, in Washington, D.C., with the top 10 awards ranging from $40,000 to $250,000. Additionally, each finalist's school will receive $2,000 to support STEM education.

The Indian American finalists include:

1. Laasya Acharya (OH) – AI-based crop disease detection.
2. Vidya Ambati (VA) – Studying haloperidol’s impact on arthritis.
3. Prisha Prakash Bhat (TX) – Genetic modification of rice for drought resistance.
4. Ishana Chadha (NY) – Researching neuronal migration in brain development.
5. Vishwum Kapadia (OH) – Predicting outcomes for heart valve repair.
6. Hrithik Ketineni (OR) – Quantum algorithm development.
7. Vivek Malik (NY) – Investigating immune response regulation.
8. Atreya Manaswi (FL) – IoT-based honey bee pest management.
9. Siddharth Nirgudkar (MA) – AI-driven predictive modeling.
10. Thanush Patlolla (NC) – Nuclear models using electron scattering data.
11. Yash Ranjith (CA) – Modeling pollution spread.
12. Akilan Sankaran (NM) – Studying pilot-wave dynamics.
13. Sandeep Sawhney (NY) – Cancer therapy research with DNA-based crystals.

The competition emphasizes nurturing the next generation of scientific leaders and promoting advancements in global challenges.