On Thursday, February 5, more than 100 community leaders, educators, families, and students gathered at the Regeneron Pharmaceuticals campus in Tarrytown to celebrate 22 exceptional Westchester County high school students named Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) scholars. The students were recognized for advanced research spanning biomedical science, neuroscience, genetics, cancer biology, mental health, climate and environmental science, space exploration, social science, and computational analysis — work typically seen at the collegiate or professional level.
The Westchester honorees are among 300 STS scholars, each awarded $2,000 after being selected from a pool of more than 2,600 applicants. Chosen for their research skills and promise as future scientists, two Westchester students were also named among the 40 national finalists, who will compete in March for more than $1.8 million in Regeneron-funded awards. Collectively, this year’s STS scholars represent 826 high schools across 46 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and 16 countries.
The event opened with a warm welcome from Linnea Texin, Regeneron’s Executive Director of Corporate Responsibility, who congratulated the scholars and underscored the significance of the occasion. This year marks Regeneron’s 10th year as sponsor of the Science Talent Search and the 85th anniversary of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious pre-college science competition.
Emphasizing Regeneron’s mission, Texin said, “We use the power of science to create new medicines and improve lives.” She reaffirmed the company’s commitment to preparing the next generation of scientists to address global challenges such as climate change, infectious disease, and future pandemics.
A recorded message followed from Dr. George D. Yancopoulos, Regeneron’s Board co-Chair, President and Chief Scientific Officer, who reflected on his own experience as an STS alumnus. He credited the program with shaping his scientific journey and giving him the confidence to pursue a life in research. “I see that same potential in each of you,” he told the students. “I’m counting on you to use science to help change and save the world.”
Dr. Andrew Murphy, Regeneron’s Executive Vice President of Research, then welcomed the guests. Recounting how his early interest in science began with a model rocketry club, Murphy stressed that invention lies at the heart of both Regeneron’s work and human progress. “We don’t exist if we don’t invent,” he said, highlighting the company’s belief in “paying it forward” by investing in young scientific talent.
The program continued with remarks from Bridget Gibbons, Westchester County Director of Economic Development, who praised the students’ “curiosity, discipline, and courage to ask difficult questions.” She described STS as “the most prestigious pre-college science competition in the nation” and called Westchester’s strong representation “a point of pride for our entire community.”
Gibbons also thanked teachers, mentors, and parents, noting that their guidance plays “an essential role in shaping the scientists, innovators, and problem solvers we are celebrating today.” She highlighted Regeneron as “the cornerstone of our local economy and a driving force behind Westchester’s life sciences sector,” and she told the students, “Whatever your path, know that Westchester County is proud of you.”
Vedat Gashi, Chair of the Westchester County Board of Legislators, echoed those sentiments, calling the celebration “one of the most meaningful” events the Board participates in each year. He commended the students’ “curiosity, discipline, and perseverance,” and thanked families and educators for their vital support. “Your work inspires us,” he told the honorees. “Your potential gives us confidence, and your future gives us reason to be hopeful.”
Texin returned to close the program as the event shifted from speeches to celebration. Students were recognized by district, presented with certificates, and honored alongside county legislators who each shared heartfelt words of inspiration and pride. The evening closed with applause, group photographs,and a shared sense of promise for the future of science.
This year’s 22 Westchester County STS scholars and finalists hail from 12 high schools. They include:
Byram Hills High School
The Identification of Anti-Complement Autoantibodies in Schizophrenia: A Novel Gene by Environment Hypothesis of Autoimmunity in Neuropsychiatric Disorders
Thornwood
