A 17-year-old Indian-American student named Saathvik Kannan, studying in Missouri, has been awarded the prestigious Regeneron Young Scientist Award worth $50,000 for his research on the increased infectivity of the mpox virus. Kannan, a student at David H Hickman High School in Columbia, utilized biocomputational methods to investigate the factors contributing to the heightened infectivity of the mpox virus after its re-emergence in 2022.
Using a combination of machine learning and 3-dimensional comparative protein modeling, Kannan identified the mutations in the virus that lead to increased infectivity and antibiotic resistance. He attributed his groundbreaking research to the guidance and mentorship provided by Kamlendra Singh, an assistant professor of veterinary pathobiology at the University of Missouri. Kannan expressed his joy and excitement upon receiving the prize, emphasizing the potential of his findings in aiding scientists to understand the virus and control future outbreaks.
In addition to winning the Regeneron Young Scientist Award, Kannan also secured first place in the computational biology and bioinformatics division of the fair, earning an additional $5,000 for his exceptional efforts.
The Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair 2023 witnessed an impressive participation of approximately 1,600 young scientists and engineers from 49 states and 64 countries. The winners were chosen by Regeneron based on their innovative approaches and genuine research in addressing future problems and tackling complex scientific questions. Regeneron, a leading biotechnology company, recognized the significance of their contributions.
