Herricks Public Schools is proud to congratulate Eli Jacob, Aarthi Palaniappan, Emma Su and Abigail Thomas on being named 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars.

The Regeneron Science Talent Search is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and mathematics competition for high school seniors. Each year, just 300 students are selected nationwide for this distinguished honor.

Each of the four Herricks scholars demonstrated extraordinary dedication to scientific inquiry, committing eight weeks to conducting original, independent research and an additional eight weeks to preparing their submissions, which included comprehensive research papers, essays and recommendations. Throughout the process, the aspiring scientists collaborated with mentors both virtually and in person to refine their work.

The students’ research topics include:

• Eli Jacob – “Misinformation in Shaping Ethical Attitudes Toward AI-Centered Academic Misconduct via Social Media.”
• Aarthi Palaniappan – “Elucidating the Protective Role of Wnt4 Signaling and Gene Suppression in Modulating Fibrotic and Calcific Pathways in Calcific Aortic Valve Disease.”
• Emma Su – “Developing a Novel Adaptive Tuning Module for Real-Time Frequency Correction in Radiofrequency Coils During Concurrent TMS-fMRI.”
• Abigail Thomas – “Examining the Pathway of Rab8-Mediated Trafficking of GluA1-AMPARs in Response to In Vitro Chemical LTP Induction in Wildtype and Lrrk2G2019S Striatal and Cortical Neurons.”

By participating in the Regeneron Science Talent Search, students gain access to a national platform to present their original research, offering fresh perspectives on complex global challenges. Each Regeneron Scholar receives a $2,000 award, along with an additional $2,000 grant to support science and research programs at Herricks High School.

From this elite group of scholars, 40 finalists will be announced on Jan. 21 and invited to participate in final judging, showcase their work to the public, engage with leading scientists, and compete for top honors, including a $250,000 grand prize. Final winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Mar. 10.

The district congratulates these outstanding students on their remarkable achievements and wishes them continued success in their scientific pursuits.