Indian American high schooler Achyuta Rajaram emerged as the top awardee in the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) 2024, the oldest and most esteemed science and math competition for high school seniors in the United States.
Accompanying him were two other Indian American achievers. Arnav Chakravarthy, 18, from Cupertino, California secured ninth place, earning a $50,000 prize, while Aditi Avinash, 17, from Highlands Ranch, Colorado, clinched the Seaborg Award.
Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of the Society for Science and Executive Publisher of Science News, extended her congratulations to the winners, emphasizing their intellectual prowess and innovative contributions.
Rajaram, hailing from Exeter, New Hampshire, claimed the top spot and a $250,000 award for his pioneering work on developing an automated method to identify the decision-making components of computer models. His research aims to enhance the effectiveness, fairness, and safety of these algorithms.
Chakravarthy’s research focused on comparing the genetic origins of macrophages in various bodily organs, shedding light on potential therapies for age-related diseases like Alzheimer’s. Avinash received recognition as the Seaborg Award winner, exemplifying the exceptional qualities of the Regeneron Science Talent Search Class of 2024.
American Broadcaster Soledad O’Brien hosted an award ceremony honoring the 40 finalists, Rajaram included. With over $1.8 million awarded to the finalists, the competition continues its tradition of identifying and nurturing future STEM leaders.
Regeneron, with its commitment to fostering scientific excellence, distributed a total of $3.1 million in prizes for the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2024, underscoring its dedication to advancing scientific inquiry and innovation.
