Press Release For Immediate Release

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Arizona Students Win Close to $550,000 in Scholarships and Awards at 2022 International STEM Competition

Arizona Science Center Traveled with Fifteen Students in Grades 9-12 Who Competed in Annual Science Competition in Atlanta

 PHOENIX, AZ – June 9, 2022 – Biomolecular approach to termites, AI used to detect Alzheimer's, and methods for rapid quantum simulation were among the winning topics for projects at the 2022 International Science and Engineering Fair in Atlanta, GA. High school scientists from around the world won nearly $8M in awards, scholarships at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (Regeneron ISEF) 2022. Arizona Science Center traveled with thirteen students to compete.

“I look forward to this event each year. The talent and ability of these students is truly remarkable,” said Beth Nickel, Chief Academic Officer, Arizona Science Center. “ISEF allows students to showcase amazing and innovative solutions for the world's most challenging problems.”

Students from all backgrounds demonstrated their knowledge and skill in a range of creative and rigorous projects that involve research and analysis, and engage students’ curiosity and passion.

Arizona’s representatives won close to $550,000 total, with 13 of 18 students winning awards.

The following students from Arizona received awards at ISEF:

• Josh Shunk, a student at Perry High School, won 1st Place, Robotics & Intelligent Machines ($5,000 to Josh, $1,000 to school, $1,000 to AzSEF); Dudley R. Herschbach SIYSS Award: all-expense paid trip to attend the Stockholm International Youth Science Seminar; and National Security Agency Research Directorate; 2nd Place, Cybersecurity ($1,500), for - Neuron-Specific Dropout Regularization.
• Sap Mallick from University High School won 1st Place, National Anti-Vivisection Award ($10,000) for - Hedgehog Signaling Regulates ACTH Secretion.
• Elliott Krzeminski, a student at Red Mountain High School, won a variety of awards - Association for Computing Machinery ($500), the Oracle Scholarship for Outstanding Systems Software ($5,000), and 2nd Place, Systems Software ($2,000) for the project - Functional Scripting Language on the JVM.
• Mars Kapidia from Gilbert Classical Academy won 2nd Place, Energy: Sustainable Materials and Design: $2,000 for – Vanadium Redox Reflow Battery With AI Charging.
• Khushi Parikh from Gilbert Classical Academy won 2nd Place, Computational Biology & Bioinformatics ($2,000) for – ML To Detect Fusarium Wilt of Banana.
• Chloe Zhan from Hamilton High School won 4th Place, Environmental Engineering ($500) for - Model-Based Optimal Deficit Irrigation Strategy

The following students received scholarships from Arizona universities:

• Savannah Botello from Cibola High School for - Struvite and Chlorella for Phosphorus Pollution.
• Alexis Li from Hamilton High School for Early Detection of Alzheimer's.
• Arun Moorthy, a student at BASIS Scottsdale, for - Clique Method for Rapid Quantum Simulation.Approach.
• Andre Glukovshly, Alex Kroumov, and Nick Sobolve, students from Arizona College Prep High School, for their project - Natural Termite Control: A Novel Biomolecular.
• Josh Shunk, a student at Perry High School, for - Neuron-Specific Dropout Regularization.
• Yana Surtchev, a student at BASIS Ahwatukee, for - Studying the Habitability of Primitive Earth.

Guy Labine, The Hazel A. Hare President, and CEO, Arizona Science Center added “I’m so proud of the work of these winners and all the 600 students who participated. Four of the local students attended a recent Board meeting to present their project. It was inspiring for Board Members to witness their incredible talent and energy”.

Regeneron ISEF is the world’s largest global high school competition, providing a global stage for the best and brightest young scientists and engineers around the world. Founded on the belief that advances in science are key to solving global challenges, Regeneron ISEF supports and invests in the next generation of leading STEM thinkers who are generating ideas and acting as catalysts for the change needed to improve the well-being of all people and the planet.

About Arizona Science Center 

The mission of Arizona Science Center is to inspire, educate and engage curious minds through science. The Center, located at 600 E. Washington Street in downtown Phoenix, features more than 300 hands-on exhibits, live demonstrations, a range of interactive online science content, the state-of-the-art Dorrance Planetarium, and the five-story Irene P. Flinn Giant Screen Theater. CREATE at Arizona Science Center®, adjacent to the main building, is the newest addition. This 6,500 square-foot community maker space provides workshops, including 3D printing, laser cutting, woodworking, and sewing. The Center offers programs for all ages, including CONNECT at Arizona Science Center, CAMP INNOVATION, Teen programs, Professional Development and Learning for Educators, and adults’ night out: Science With A Twist. The Center also offers a broad range of online science learning resources for parents, educators, students, and anyone curious about science. For further details, please visit azscience.org.

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