Cole Stern of John F. Kennedy High School was named one of 300 Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars nationwide in this year’s competition! Cole’s achievement was announced on Jan. 7.

“Cole was selected from thousands of applicants nationwide based on the originality and rigor of his independent research, the quality of his technical writing and his demonstrated future potential as a scientist,” noted Roger Bing, a district science and STEAM chairperson.

His research, “Investigating the September 29, 2023, Tri-State Flooding Event: A WRF-Based Analysis of Tropical Storm Ophelia, Elevated Sea Surface Temperatures and Their Role in Enhancing Extreme Rainfall,” was completed under the direction of ASR Director, Barbi Frank and teacher Orquidea Afonso-Ancieto and involved advanced atmospheric modeling and extensive data analysis to examine the factors that contributed to a historic extreme weather event impacting the Tri-state region.

Stern is one of 10 Kennedy seniors - and several from Sanford H. Calhoun and Wellington C. Mepham High Schools - who submitted projects this year through the district’s Advanced Science Research Program.
“Each has completed three years of rigorous independent research investigation while demonstrating perseverance and passion for science,” added Bing.

Each Regeneron Scholar receives $2,000 personally and $2,000 to support science and research at their school. From this elite group, 40 finalists will be selected on Jan. 21 to compete for top honors, including a $250,000 grand prize.

“Congratulations to the top 300 scholars in this year’s Regeneron Science Talent Search,” said Maya Ajmera, President and CEO, Society for Science and Publisher, Science News. “Their research highlights the creativity, rigor and determination that’s pushing forward the future of scientific discovery. We are honored to recognize their achievements and support their continued pursuit of STEM excellence.”