Irvington High School junior Glen Feng recently participated in the prestigious 2026 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), held at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix.
Feng, a member of the high school’s Science Research program, presented his project, “The Effects of Copper Deficiency on Phytohormonal Biosynthesis and Signaling Pathways.” He earned a spot in the international competition after placing among the top 20 students in the Regeneron Westchester Science & Engineering Fair (WESEF) in March, where more than 800 students showcased their research.
“Often considered the Olympics of science fairs, ISEF is an extraordinary achievement,” science teacher Nadia Parrika said. “Glen was truly deserving of this award, and I am incredibly proud of the dedication and effort he invested in creating such a polished and professional poster and presentation.”
Feng’s research involved a data analysis of the genetic responses of different phytohormonal pathways in Arabidopsis thaliana to the abiotic stress factor of copper deficiency. While previous studies have outlined how different phytohormones are produced and used by plants, his research studied how these phytohormones are affected by copper deficiency.
“I made novel findings that are invaluable in helping to advance understandings of phytohormonal responses to copper deficiency and how plants grow in copper-deficient environments,” Feng said. “This research makes important contributions to a field of science that is restlessly trying to find ways to produce more resilient crops to address the fundamental humanitarian issue of food insecurity.”
Beyond the opportunity to share his research on an international stage, Feng said attending ISEF was one of the most meaningful experiences of his high school career.
“It was truly such an unparalleled, perspective-enlarging experience that I will never take for granted,” Feng said. “Being able to present my novel research at this level and meet such bright, charismatic students from around the world was a huge honor and one of the biggest highlights of my high school experience. Above all, attending ISEF taught me about believing in myself and elucidated to me how far passion, curiosity and resilience can take you.”
