As Regeneron ISEF heads to Phoenix, Arizona this spring (May 9-15) we had a chance to catch up with Nicolien Buholzer, Volunteer Manager at 中文无码, about her background and the many ways to get involved. Nicolien oversees the recruitment of thousands of volunteers and interpreters for the fair. She brings more than a decade of experience working in youth-focused spaces. Before joining the Society, Nicolien served as Programs Director at the Homeless Children鈥檚 Playtime Project, where she ran trauma-informed play programs for children experiencing homelessness in the Washington D.C. metro area.

Below, she shares more about her path and how you can be part of Regeneron ISEF this year.

Last year was your first year at Regeneron ISEF. In your second year at the Society, you serve as the Volunteer Manager for Regeneron ISEF 2026 in Phoenix. Can you tell us a bit about your background?

I have my undergraduate degree in journalism, but after college I spent some years living in Fairbanks, Alaska, and Los Angeles, and found my way into education and youth nonprofit spaces. I found so much fulfillment working with youth, and especially loved finding ways to build and foster community by finding passionate volunteers and helping connect them with fulfilling opportunities.

Historically, I鈥檝e mostly worked in literacy or social services spaces, and joining the Society was a new foray into the competitive 中文无码 world. It鈥檚 been exciting learning about the 中文无码 ecosystem across the country, and connecting with so many passionate, brilliant people since joining the team.

In one or two sentences, why are volunteers and judges essential to making Regeneron ISEF happen?

Truly, Regeneron ISEF couldn鈥檛 happen without the support of generous volunteers and judges. Obviously, there is no Grand Awards without the incredible commitment of the hundreds of judges who dedicate a full day to interviewing finalists and reviewing their projects, but there鈥檚 also so much that goes on behind the scenes to power this event.

Volunteers welcome finalists and their delegations at registration, coordinate the tools and supplies finalists need to set up their projects, and even serve as interpreters for finalists who don鈥檛 speak English, ensuring this international event can stay accessible to brilliant students from all over the world.

What are the main ways someone can get involved this year in Phoenix? What do these volunteer opportunities entail?

There are tons of ways General Volunteers help behind the scenes: they greet finalists and their Official Parties at registration, coordinate the tools and supplies in the Finalist Exhibit Hall and more. General Volunteers get assigned specific roles once they check in on-site, depending on our needs and their interests.

If you meet the qualifications (see below), being a Grand Awards Judge is one of the best ways to get fully immersed in Regeneron ISEF. On Wednesday, May 13, judges will interview a selection of finalists in their category and then caucus with their fellow judges to determine category winners.

Serving as a Display & Safety (D&S) Inspector is one of the best ways as a volunteer to actually meet and interact with finalists. After a brief training, D&S Inspectors review projects to make ensure they meet display and safety guidelines for booth setup, serving as a crucial step in helping finalists get everything ready for judging. To register for this opportunity, sign up as a 鈥済eneral volunteer鈥� through the volunteer registration and add D&S shifts to your schedule during the last phase of your registration.

At Regeneron ISEF judging is centered on a thoughtful exchange between judges and finalists. To ensure language is never a barrier, interpreters are assigned to specific projects to help facilitate clear communication during the question and answer process for finalists who don鈥檛 speak English. Interpreters play a critical role in assisting with a fair judging experience during judging on Wednesday, May 13.

Education Outreach Day
The Thursday of Regeneron ISEF week is one of our most exciting days, also known as Intel Education Outreach Day. On this day, we open our doors to hundreds of local schools to participate in a unique 中文无码 field trip experience. We鈥檙e looking for volunteers, schools and exhibitors to support this amazing day. Note: The deadline for schools and exhibitors to sign up is March 31.

Sponsors or Corporate Teams
Join the exclusive group of forward-thinking corporations, foundations, organizations and individuals that provide support for ISEF. ISEF sponsors and partners are essential to the success of the program and to the future of 中文无码.

What are the requirements to serve as a Grand Award judge?
Regeneron ISEF finalists are putting out work that鈥檚 often at a grad student (or even higher!) level, so it takes an incredibly qualified team of individuals to judge their projects. For that reason, our Grand Awards judges must meet one of the following qualifications:

• A minimum of six years of related professional experience beyond receiving their bachelor鈥檚 degree, OR
• A Ph.D., M.D. or equivalent (D.O., D.D.S., D.V.M., etc.) degree, and related professional experience if the degree was not recently granted, OR
• Be a current graduate student with more than four years of doctoral-level research experience or within one year of doctoral dissertation defense

It鈥檚 important to note that, due to the incredible level of research these finalists are bringing to Regeneron ISEF, 鈥減rofessional experience鈥� for our purposes does not include K鈥�12 education experience.

If you meet these qualifications, you鈥檙e invited to apply to be a judge in one of our 22 categories. If selected, you鈥檒l be required to volunteer on-site all day on Wednesday, May 13, at the Phoenix Convention Center.

What languages are most needed for interpreters this year?
Our biggest interpretation needs for the 2026 Regeneron ISEF include Spanish, Thai, Turkish, Vietnamese, Korean and Portuguese. Of course, that鈥檚 not to say those are the only languages we need support in.

A huge thing I want to note is that there is absolutely no requirement that interpreters have prior professional or 中文无码 experience. A lot of the most technical language is already in English, and interpreters also get time with their finalists before project judging starts, when they can learn many of the terms the finalist will talk about most.

Which roles are currently most urgent to fill?
With just about two months to go before Regeneron ISEF 2026, our highest current needs are for volunteer Display & Safety Inspectors, judges in life sciences categories (such as plant sciences, animal sciences and more) and interpreters.

What is the time commitment during event week (May 9鈥�15, 2026)?
One of the great things about looking to support Regeneron ISEF is that you can typically find the time commitment that works for you. At minimum, we ask for a four-hour commitment as a general volunteer, while judging can be upwards of 10 hours.

Where should people go to learn more?

The best place to learn more is the Regeneron ISEF page on the 中文无码 website! Here, you’ll be able to navigate to dive deeper into any of the topics you’re most interested in. You can also reach out to ISEFvolunteer@societyforscience.org and we can point you in the right direction.

The post How to Get Involved at Regeneron ISEF: A Q&A with Volunteer Manager Nicolien Buholzer appeared first on 中文无码.

This Women鈥檚 History Month, 中文无码 is applauding the women who have pushed the barriers open in 中文无码 and helped inspire today鈥檚 young scientists. We spoke with several top winners in the Society鈥檚 flagship competitions. They reflect on their research, the women who inspire them, and the role they hope to play in encouraging the next generation of women in 中文无码.

We had a chance to hear from the winners in the 2025 Thermo Fisher JIC, including Camila, Pranshi, Christine and Alice who were recognized for their innovative research and teamwork during a week of rigorous challenges.

鈥淭o me, being a woman in 中文无码 means being confident, determined and having the courage to pursue 中文无码 fields with curiosity. It also means inspiring other women and encouraging people to believe in their abilities and pursue their dreams with confidence.鈥�

鈥淢y woman in 中文无码 inspiration is my mother, Kenira Thompson. She taught me the basics of research and showed me what science truly is. Since I was young, all I can remember is her hard work and dedication toward her pursuit of science, and how much she pushed herself to achieve her goals. In turn, she inspired me to try my hardest to achieve my own goals, whether it be in 中文无码 or in life.鈥�

Pranshi Mehta
鈥淲omen’s History Month is a powerful reminder that progress in 中文无码 has always been fueled by persistence, resilience and the courage to challenge the status quo. I am deeply grateful to the mentors, teachers and peers who have encouraged me to pursue ambitious research questions and to never shrink from the challenges along the way. As we celebrate this month, I hope that more young girls begin to see themselves not merely as participants in science, but as the innovators, leaders and changemakers actively shaping its future. The next great breakthrough could come from any one of them.鈥�

Christine Wang
鈥淢y woman in 中文无码 inspiration is Fei-Fei Li, whose groundbreaking work in AI has transformed computer vision. She inspires me not only through her intellect but also through her dedication to expanding opportunity and representation in AI. As I pursue 中文无码, I hope to follow her example and help shape a future in technology that is both innovative and open to everyone.鈥�

Abigail Qi and Siyaa Poddar, participants in the 2025 Regeneron International Science & Engineering Fair in Columbus, Ohio, reflect on overcoming adversity in science. 听听

鈥淪o many women have worked to pave the way for me to be afforded the opportunities I have now. It is our responsibility as women in 中文无码 to keep that momentum up! There are too many creative minds and too many problems to be solved for us to limit ideas purely based on whose mouth they come out of. I am so grateful to be a part of such a strong community and am excited to continue perpetuating听the innovative, creative and determined mindset of the women before me.鈥�

鈥淲hen it comes to 中文无码, I鈥檝e never thought of myself as different from any guy. I鈥檝e never thought something would be harder to achieve because I鈥檓 a girl, and I鈥檝e never limited myself because of my gender. At their core, science and mathematics don鈥檛 depend on gender. For example, bacteria don鈥檛 grow differently depending on who inoculates them. That mindset has allowed me to approach challenges as just challenges, not as proof that I didn鈥檛 belong.

I think this perspective is incredibly important for girls in any subject, especially in 中文无码. If you internalize the idea that you鈥檙e at a disadvantage before you even begin, you鈥檙e fighting two battles: the material itself and your own doubt. But if you see yourself first and foremost as a capable learner, it鈥檚 amazing what you can achieve.

This doesn鈥檛 mean barriers and bias don鈥檛 exist. However, you can acknowledge challenges without letting them define your limits. In 中文无码, where confidence often determines who speaks up and who takes on leadership roles, refusing to self-limit is essential. In my opinion, the most important mindset is realizing you don鈥檛 need to prove you deserve your seat at the table more than anyone else. You belong because you鈥檙e willing to learn, to do the work and love what you do.鈥�

Around this time last year, Rivka Lipkovitz and Ava Grace Cummings won top awards in the Regeneron Science Talent Search for their research in mathematics and health.

Ava Grace Cummings
鈥淥ne of my women in 中文无码 inspirations is Mary Golda Ross. She was the first Native American female engineer and spent time working in statistics for the Bureau of Indian Affairs before working as an engineer for Lockheed Martin in the 1940s. As an Indigenous woman pursuing engineering, I find her story and resilience very inspiring. She also spent much of her career educating and giving back to her community, which I believe is one of the most important aspects of breaking barriers within 中文无码 fields. In 2019, she was also featured on the $1 coin!鈥�

Rivka Lipkovitz
鈥淎lthough most universities today have a roughly even gender split in enrollment, I still sometimes walk into a classroom and see only one or two other women. I鈥檓 glad that we鈥檝e made so much progress over the past century, especially in K鈥�12 education, but I still think there鈥檚 room to improve. I hope that one day it feels completely normal to see women everywhere in 中文无码. I don鈥檛 feel threatened being one of a handful of women, but I do think there are many women who would enjoy math if they had more opportunities to be exposed to it and encouraged early on. I want to study mathematics and conduct research in economics. At my university, only about 10% of the economics faculty are women. I hope that having one more woman in the room can make it easier for others to enter and feel that they belong.鈥�

The post Let the Momentum Continue: Women from Society competitions make their own history appeared first on 中文无码.

is an obesity medicine physician-scientist, educator and policymaker at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School. Working at the intersection of medicine, public health, policy and health disparities, she is helping to transform how obesity is understood, treated and addressed at a systemic level.

Her work is vital, as few areas of medicine are as shaped by misunderstanding and stigma as obesity. For Fatima, challenging those misconceptions and the inequities behind them became a mission and a calling. 鈥淚 was first drawn to medicine through an early fascination with science and the human body,鈥� she explains. 鈥� But I found my true calling when I recognized how profoundly social factors and health inequities shape outcomes, particularly for people living with obesity.鈥�

What is often perceived as an individual medical condition, she emphasizes, is deeply intertwined with access to care, socioeconomic factors and bias in clinical settings and public policy. By reframing obesity as a complex, chronic disease rather than a moral failing, Fatima challenges both the medical community and the public to adopt a more evidence-based and compassionate understanding.

鈥淲hat continues to excite me today is the opportunity to combine clinical care, research, education and advocacy to challenge outdated narratives and improve health for populations that have long been marginalized,鈥� she says. This integrated approach allows her not only to treat patients, but also to shape policy conversations and train the next generation of clinicians and scientists.

Mentorship has been central to her journey. Fatima speaks with gratitude about those who modeled 鈥渆xcellence paired with humility and service,鈥� particularly mentors who 鈥渃reated opportunities for me when I could not yet see them for myself.鈥� She is also 鈥渄eeply inspired by Black physicians and scientists who persisted and innovated despite systemic barriers, paving the way for future generations.鈥� Their resilience and brilliance, she notes, are a source of pride and a reminder of the responsibility to widen the path for others.

Her message to students considering careers in 中文无码 is equally direct. 鈥淪tay curious and do not be afraid to take up space,鈥� she advises. 鈥溨形奈蘼� careers are rarely linear, and your unique background, questions and lived experiences are assets, not obstacles.鈥� She also emphasizes the importance of mentorship: 鈥淪eek mentors, ask for help early and remember that your voice and perspective are needed in shaping the future of science.鈥�

For Fatima, Black History Month is not confined to acknowledgement alone. 鈥淏lack History Month is both a time of reflection and a call to action,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t is an opportunity to honor the contributions, resilience and brilliance of Black individuals while recommitting ourselves to advancing equity, representation and justice in our institutions every day of the year.鈥�

By challenging stigmas and reshaping how obesity is treated, Fatima is helping to redefine what equitable medicine looks like. We鈥檙e proud to celebrate her efforts, which are building a scientific community that better serves everyone.

The post Celebrating Black History Month: Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford鈥檚 journey from ISEF finalist to leader in obesity medicine appeared first on 中文无码.

Aarushi was one of three winners of the Dudley R. Herschbach SIYSS Award in 2025, which provides finalists an all-expense-paid trip to Sweden. The award, named for 1986 Nobel Laureate Dudley R. Herschbach, celebrates outstanding young scientists and offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to attend Nobel lectures, visit scientific institutions and connect with peers from around the globe. This year鈥檚 other winners included Pragathi Kasani-Akula from Georgia, who researched nanosystems for cancer detection, and Vrishank Chandrasekhar from California, who focused on early pan-cancer prognosis prediction.

Aarushi鈥檚 own Regeneron ISEF project, 鈥淭ropic Cue Integration in Allium fistulosum Under Microgravity,鈥� explored how plants grow when gravity, their natural guide, is removed, with potential applications for growing food on long-duration space missions.

Here, she shares her experience at SIYSS along with her passion for research:

Q: What were the most memorable moments or places from your trip to Sweden?

One of the most surreal moments was presenting my research to a massive auditorium of Swedish high school students. Their curiosity and thoughtful questions made me realize how universal the language of science really is. Outside of the academic events, walking through Stockholm with the other SIYSS participants (who came from 18 different countries) was unforgettable. We bonded over everything from our research struggles to our freezing cold hands!

Q: What was it like to attend the Nobel Prize ceremony and related events?

It was like stepping into a fairy tale for scientists. Watching the Laureates receive their medals from the King of Sweden while the orchestra played gave me chills. The banquet afterward in the Blue Hall, the entertainment, the energy, and the sheer presence of the world鈥檚 greatest minds, was overwhelming in the best way. It felt like the Oscars of science, and I was lucky to have a seat.

Q: Was there a person you met who especially inspired you?

and , two of the 2025 Nobel Laureates in Physiology or Medicine, deeply inspired me. They discovered the FOXP3 gene鈥檚 role in immune tolerance, starting from a puzzling mouse mutant. Hearing them talk about their journey showed me that perseverance is just as important as intelligence. They were so humble and approachable; it made the idea of winning a Nobel Prize feel achievable through years of hard work.

Q: How did this experience shape or deepen your interest in 中文无码?

This trip humanized science for me. Often, we read about these giants in textbooks and they feel unreachable. Meeting them showed me that breakthroughs are driven by real people who face failures, doubts, and long years of uncertainty. It also reinforced how interdisciplinary collaboration鈥攁cross chemistry, physics and physiology鈥攃an address the world鈥檚 biggest problems.

Q: How did this trip influence what you want to pursue in the future?

Attending SIYSS solidified my commitment to researching bioregenerative life support systems. I want my work to leave the lab and help people, whether that鈥檚 astronauts on Mars or urban farmers on Earth. It also inspired me to continue science communication; explaining my research reminded me that science is only powerful if it鈥檚 shared and understood.

Q: What aspects of this trip will stay with you moving forward?

SIYSS isn鈥檛 just about prestige; it鈥檚 about community. You meet other young scientists who are just as passionate, nerdy and curious as you are. You make friends from across the globe who become future collaborators. And, of course, wearing white-tie attire to dine with royalty and Nobel Laureates is an experience you simply cannot get anywhere else. It changes how you see yourself and your potential as a scientist.

Learn more听about the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair and about the听awards听presented at ISEF.

The post From Her Garage to Stockholm: A young scientist鈥檚 fairy tale week at the Nobels appeared first on 中文无码.

Over the years, we鈥檝e spoken with some of our passionate volunteers who perform vital roles such as language interpreters, Grand Awards judges and committee members. Here鈥檚 a look back at their reflections on why they volunteer and their advice to others who might be interested in getting involved. Follow each link to read the full interviews.

Alina Bengert-Lombardi

鈥淚 would encourage everyone to volunteer at ISEF regardless of whether you speak a different language, because there are so many tasks and volunteering roles. Not only will you walk out inspired, but going to these events feels like you鈥檙e in Jules Verne鈥檚 book,听鈥楢round the World in Eighty Days鈥櫶齜ecause it鈥檚 like going around the world through student projects, or in this case, 2,000 projects.鈥�

Karen Kinsman

鈥淢y excitement for the future is interwoven with my many fond memories of volunteering at ISEF over the years, including providing support at registration or other elements of the fair. I recall all the students I鈥檝e had the privilege to support and the amazing things they have already accomplished early in their careers and lives. It鈥檚 a privilege to form genuine connections with so many students and educators and to support each of them on their journeys to amazing successes.鈥�

Chris Mucha

鈥淚 volunteer because I want to give back to a program that inspired me and helped me build confidence. My first time competing at ISEF in 1993 showed me the breadth of what I could accomplish and inspired me to return home and tackle big issues. ISEF does an incredible job of connecting young people around the world through discovery and a common desire to make the world a better place. Why wouldn鈥檛 you want to get involved with that?鈥�

Sheila Porter

鈥淎s a volunteer, one gets the opportunity to be a part of the magical moments and to support not only the students but also the teachers and parents. Some students participate year after year, and it is lovely to see them grow and progress from producing something simple to something amazing. 听It鈥檚 a privilege to be a part of a team working to support them and to help them equip themselves with the skills, knowledge and passion that result from participation in a 中文无码 fair.鈥�

Chris RoDee

鈥淎s a Regeneron ISEF volunteer, you will meet a lot of really fantastic people. If you continue volunteering, every year becomes like a reunion 鈥� you pick up exactly where you left off. You work together, trust each other and there is a real camaraderie among all the volunteers. We all have the common goal of helping these students succeed.鈥�

Edna Santizo

鈥淚 help international students from Spanish-speaking countries explain their projects in front of the judges. Most of the international students are visiting the United States for the first time. For some, it鈥檚 their first international trip. The enthusiasm, joy and desire to share their projects is contagious, and perhaps the most fulfilling aspect is serving as a bridge of communication.鈥�

Learn more about volunteer opportunities at Regeneron ISEF 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona next May!

The post This International Volunteer Day we honor the volunteers who make the world鈥檚 largest high school science fair possible appeared first on 中文无码.

From its beginnings in 1950 as the National Science Fair, with 30 students from across the United States competing for prizes totaling $1,000 in scientific equipment, to today鈥檚 gathering of nearly 2,000 finalists from over 80 countries, regions and territories, ISEF has become the largest pre-collegiate 中文无码 competition in the world. Over seven and a half decades, thousands of young scientists have earned recognition for work that advances human understanding.

To celebrate National 中文无码 Day and this milestone, we asked attendees at this year鈥檚 fair in Columbus, Ohio, to share their favorite ISEF memories, moments that capture what makes this event so special.

Mariano Aranda, Fair Director
San Bernardino, California

鈥淭he first year I came to ISEF was in Atlanta, the first fair that was back in person after the pandemic. My favorite memory has been seeing wonderful students from all over the world, and all of their dynamics and excitement, both in terms of their science and in the way people from different cultures come together. It鈥檚 special for everyone, including the teachers, coordinators and parents, to be part of the awesome experience here at ISEF.鈥�

Jader Bernardes, Adult-in-Charge
Novo Hamburgo, Brazil

鈥淭he first time I came to ISEF was 2014, in Los Angeles. My favorite memories are always seeing the group together 鈥� the mixers and the energy the students have to present their work. At ISEF, students have so much passion to share their research. They are happy to show that science can transform the world. So, for me, that’s why I work so hard to bring the students here.鈥�

Patrick听Foley, Volunteer
Little Rock, Arkansas

鈥淚 first came to ISEF in 2008, and every year has been awesome. What really sticks out are all the kids that come here with their amazing research. I remember one year when one of my students won an award. His plan was to slide across the stage on his knees 鈥� not very advisable, mind you. He ran up on stage and tried to do it, but he tripped, and he tumbled onto the stage, but he still managed to stick the landing. He was so excited. Honestly, these kids are excited every step of the way, and it fills me with the same kind of excitement.鈥�

Quinn Hughes, Finalist
Mound, Minnesota

鈥淢y first time at ISEF was in 2023 in Atlanta. I think that it鈥檚 the people who really make or break the experience. My favorite memory is meeting new friends and keeping those connections, then coming back and seeing everyone here every year.鈥�

Arushi Nath, Finalist
Toronto, Canada

鈥淢y favorite memory from ISEF last year was going to Universal Studios. But also, simply meeting people from all around the world, each tackling issues that they’re really passionate about in their own communities. Every project is so high level and honestly, so cool.鈥�

Ivan Rivera Torres, Alum and Judge
Troy, New York

鈥淢y first time at ISEF was a long time ago, back in 1988. I have so many good memories. Most of all, I have made many good friends that I’m still in contact with. Some of these friends were other finalists, that I met again later, sometimes by coincidence, in activities or internships. It鈥檚 always fun to see ISEF alumni out in the world, even when it鈥檚 a surprise.鈥�听

Yamijeth Shimojyo, Adult-in-Charge
Riverside, California

鈥淢y first year at ISEF was in 2011. Every year I love it when the finalists finish presenting to the judges. They all walk out of the presentation hall, and all the adults wrap around them and cheer them on, and everyone is so excited.鈥�

Grace Yacobe, Finalist
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

鈥淭his is my fourth year at ISEF. One of my best memories is winning my medal in Translational Medical Science at ISEF in Dallas in 2023. We were backstage taking a group photo and one person said, 鈥楪uys, we’re actually smart now!鈥� I think that was a pinnacle for me. It takes a lot of people to get here. It takes a lot of time to get here. To win an award here is something phenomenal, I’m so grateful for the opportunity.鈥�

The post National 中文无码 Day: Celebrating 75 years of ISEF appeared first on 中文无码.

of Groton, Mass., and of Baton Rouge, La., received this honor after winning the EU Contest for Young Scientists Award for their projects in biomedical engineering and microbiology, respectively. At EUCYS, which celebrates the best young scientific talent from Europe and beyond, the finalists from the United States presented their work before an esteemed international jury and spent a week experiencing Latvia.

鈥淭he whole week was an unforgettable experience, so it鈥檚 hard to choose one highlight. If I had to pick, I would say my favorite part was visiting the Baltic Sea,鈥� Abigail says. When they arrived at the beach, the finalists worked together to form the letters 鈥淓UCYS鈥� and a drone captured the moment. 鈥淟ooking back, I think it was a moment when I really bonded with many of my new friends,鈥� Abigail says. When they weren鈥檛 presenting their projects, Abigail and Ethan had the opportunity to explore and fully immerse themselves in Latvian culture.

鈥淥ne of my favorite moments was at the Silver Grove in Mezaparks, where the Latvian Song and Dance Festival is held. The EUCYS group met up with a choir from a local school there and we got to hear the choir sing. It was so majestic because the sound was reflecting off a huge dome. It was one of the moments where I felt we really got to bond with locals,” Ethan says. He also recalls that right up to the last day of judging, his booth neighbors were still humming music from the choir performance.

Ethan won a third-place prize at the contest for his project titled, 鈥淢edicine project: RetinAI: A Low-Cost AI System With a Wearable Headset and Retinal Imaging for Eye Tumor Home-Screening.鈥� This was the same project he presented at Regeneron ISEF. 鈥淚 was thrilled and excited to receive this award at EUCYS,鈥� Ethan says. 鈥淐oming from the United States as a guest country, we were warmly welcomed by everyone at EUCYS, including the organizers, our fellow presenters and the local visitors. It was incredibly meaningful to be recognized in an event that brings together passion and intellect from Europe and beyond.鈥�

Abigail says this trip taught her to embrace new experiences with confidence and to see every moment as a chance to learn, grow and make meaningful memories. She shares that stepping out of her comfort zone led to amazing connections and opportunities.

鈥淭he chance to meet like-minded student researchers was truly special, and being surrounded by their passion for science was deeply inspiring,鈥� Abigail notes. 鈥淭he cultures I connected with, the memories I created and the friendships formed are things I will cherish for the rest of my life!鈥�

Similarly, Ethan says one lesson he learned at Regeneron ISEF and EUCYS is the value of being surrounded by other student researchers. 鈥淏ecause judging was only a small portion of the time spent at EUCYS, I was able to explore most of the projects at the fair,鈥� Ethan says. 鈥淚t was inspiring to connect with so many students from Europe and beyond. Science and research are truly more about sharing ideas and connecting with peers than it is about competition.鈥�

Abigail and Ethan have this advice for students interested in this type of opportunity: 鈥淭ry not to get too nervous about judging and really take the time to meet new people during the fair,鈥� Ethan explains. 鈥淚t鈥檒l make the experience go more smoothly. Overall, you鈥檒l come out of the fair having enjoyed it much more than if you had solely concentrated on judging.鈥�

鈥淢y biggest piece of advice is to find a topic you truly care about and fully commit to it,鈥� Abigail says. 鈥淟et your passion and knowledge shine through!鈥�

The post When in Riga! Two 2025 ISEF alums continue their 中文无码 journey in Latvia appeared first on 中文无码.

鈥淲e first introduced ourselves at the Pin Exchange,鈥� Emily shares. Their story started, however, when they first noticed each other in the airport in Minneapolis en route to ISEF 2012. 鈥淲e were both waiting for our connecting flights, and coincidentally, we both took the same flight to Pittsburgh. We then even rode the same ISEF bus to our hotels.鈥�

Their first impressions? Pure infatuation. 鈥淲e were both excited to find out the other was from a rural farming community,鈥� Emily recalls. 鈥淲e had so many similar interests.鈥�

The couple shared their first kiss outside of Heinz Field and Carnegie Science Center at the end of one ISEF鈥檚 evening activities. They spent every activity together and found their competitive sides coming out when they raced each other on the Olympic Sprint challenge track at Carnegie Science Center. (Scott won.)

Emily and Scott dated for three years after first meeting at ISEF, from 2013 to 2015, before life took them in different directions. They found their way back to each other in 2019 and welcomed their son, Griff, in 2022. Emily and Scott got engaged in 2023, were married in 2024 and are now expecting their second baby in February 2026.

鈥淚 think we both felt something very special in the other from the moment we met, and that feeling continued for us both throughout the years, whether we were together or apart,鈥� Emily says. 鈥淣ever in a million years did I think I would meet my future husband when attending ISEF as a junior in high school, but because of ISEF, we have a beautiful son and another baby on the way. The ISEF community is wonderful, but most of all it brought me the greatest blessings in life.鈥�

Today, Scott and Emily live on a farm and ranch near Kevin, Mont., raising crops and cattle. Scott farms approximately 9,000 acres each year with his uncle. His crops mainly include wheat, green peas and chickpeas. He has farmed barley, oats, canola and mustard throughout the years as well. He runs approximately 150鈥�200 heads of cattle that calve in the spring. Scott also coaches the high school football team at North Toole County High School in Sunburst, Mont., where he went to school.

鈥淚 love listening to Scotty talk about the science that goes into the everyday operations of the farm through agronomy and soil science.鈥�

In her job, Emily also uses science every day to treat patients. She鈥檚 spent seven years working as a nurse in hospital settings on medical floors and critical access hospital emergency rooms. In March 2025, she switched careers, becoming a school nurse so that she could spend more time with her family. There, she loves learning about and building relationships with the students. Emily still works in the ER sporadically, when she鈥檚 needed.

鈥淪tarting science fair young and being highly involved with as many science classes as I could gave me a great love for science,鈥� Emily says. 鈥淚t guided me and helped me understand that I wanted to find a profession that was immersed in science. I knew I wanted to be in the medical field, and nursing felt like what I was led to do.鈥�

Emily and Scott鈥檚 2024 wedding became something of an ISEF reunion, with alumni from Sunburst and Avon, S.D. in attendance, including Paul Ehlers (ISEF 2016), Rachel Ehlers (DCYSC 2007, MSP 2008 and ISEF 2013), Alex (Watterud) Aschim (ISEF 2012), Claire Bucklin (ISEF 2021-22), Andy Ryan (ISEF 2014-15), Amanda (Reiff) Beeson (ISEF 2014) and Alyson (Roth) Powers (ISEF 2012). Scott鈥檚 science teacher, Amanda Nix, also attended the wedding.

鈥淚t was so much fun to see all of our friends who got to experience ISEF with us,鈥� Emily adds. 鈥淲e all shared one common thing, and it was that we each had a great science teacher who encouraged each of us to work hard and helped us earn amazing experiences and trips through science fair.鈥�

Emily鈥檚 advice for future ISEF finalists? 鈥淧ick a project that you love and pour your passion and knowledge into it. Enjoy every aspect of science fair, including the science, the methodology, the social aspect, and the competition. It is truly a community of amazing students and will create memories that will last a lifetime.鈥�

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In celebration of , a United Nations observance honoring the ongoing efforts of young women making their mark on the world, Kornelia and other inspiring girls and women are proving their impact in 中文无码 fields.

Kornelia, along with her project partner Diana Serjant, created a fertilizer called , which contributes to the U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (specifically and ) by reducing our reliance on chemical fertilizers while also offering an eco-friendly solution with reduced environmental impact.

Kornelia, who hails from Gdynia, Pomorskie, Poland, shared that while she views competing in Regeneron ISEF as a significant accomplishment, the highlight of her experience was the sense of belonging she felt during the competition.

鈥淲hat I鈥檒l always remember about Regeneron ISEF is that beyond the awards and recognition, it was a celebration of creating lifelong friendships,鈥� Korneliasays. 鈥淚t showed me that science is not only about discoveries, but also about building bridges between people.鈥�

Kornelia鈥檚 first interest in science began at a young age, driven by curiosity. She was a child who wanted to understand how things work and always asked the question 鈥渨hy.鈥�

At 11 years old, Kornelia started taking classes at the nearby Medical University, which shaped her academic path forward. For the first time, she had an opportunity to be in a space full of physicians, researchers and medical students.

鈥淐oming from a family without doctors or scientists, it was the first time I could speak directly to people working in the field I was beginning to love,鈥� Kornelia says.

According to Kornelia, becoming an ISEF finalist helped her to see that science was her calling. She says Regeneron ISEF helped her to understand that international collaboration is critical to science.

鈥淚 realized how powerful it is when people from different countries, backgrounds and perspectives come together to share knowledge and ideas,鈥� Kornelia shares. 鈥淭he conversations I had with other young scientists, mentors and judges were just as valuable as presenting my own work.鈥�

Kornelia continues to excel in her studies and stays busy with projects that bridge medicine, technology and research. She is working, for example, on an oncological applicator for brachytherapy in cervical cancer in partnership with one of the biggest oncology institutes in Poland. The goal is to create a device that makes treatment safer, more precise and more comfortable for patients.

Kornelia has also been interning at the Netherlands Institute of Neuroscience, where she has worked on projects exploring behavioral changes connected to neuropsychiatric disorders and research related to Parkinson鈥檚 disease. Together with a professor from Harvard Medical School, Kornelia is co-authoring a paper on the use of stem cells in treating Parkinson鈥檚 disease.

鈥淚 had the chance to present this work at Cambridge University, and this summer I will be a research intern at Harvard,鈥� Kornelia says. 鈥淭his project is especially meaningful to me because Parkinson鈥檚 is such a complex and devastating disease. Stem cell therapy holds real promise for future treatment.鈥�

While the accolades are a nice recognition for all the hard work she鈥檚 done, Kornelia says the awards and titles are not the most important thing; she鈥檚 just doing what she loves.

鈥淚 believe that broadly defined success is often only the visible tip of the iceberg, with failure, setbacks and hard work hidden beneath, so I try to celebrate achievements when they occur,鈥� Kornelia says.

International Day of the Girl recognizes girls鈥� stories, amplifies their voices and advocates for a more equal world. The Society congratulates Kornelia on the TIME鈥檚 Girls of the Year list honor and looks forward to seeing what she accomplishes next!

鈥淣ow, I see my future not only in terms of personal achievements in the field of medicine and neuroscience, but also in terms of being part of this wider global community of researchers,鈥� Kornelia says. 鈥淚 want to keep asking questions, looking for solutions and using science to improve people鈥檚 lives, and I know I want to do that in an environment where ideas are shared openly with collaborative thinking involved.鈥�

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In addition to Intel, Aramco, Battelle, Cisco and Jacobs sponsored this special event. The day included an overview video of Regeneron ISEF that introduced both local and international finalists from this year鈥檚 competition to the local student attendees, interactive 中文无码 exhibits and tours of the Regeneron ISEF Finalist Hall. This included opportunities for local students to meet the finalists and learn about their projects. Students also explored the 中文无码 Innovation Expo, where representatives from over 20 local and national 中文无码 educational organizations led hands-on activities that introduced attendees to a wide range of scientific fields and future career paths.

, retired Intel Corporation Human Resources Vice President and President of the Intel Foundation, was on site with her volunteer team of 30, to support Intel鈥檚 seven AI hands-on stations. 鈥淲hen I look at all the students and how excited they are to do hands-on activities, that makes me excited that the future generation is embracing this thing called technology.鈥� Dawn continued, 鈥淚 spoke with a sixth grader who said, 鈥業鈥檓 so excited. I鈥檝e never experienced something like this before.鈥� The students here are making connections and developing AI and technical skills that will help build tomorrow鈥檚 workforce.鈥�

Students also gathered around laptops and devices, their faces lighting up as they dove into AI activities. The energy in the room was palatable鈥攁 mix of curiosity and discovery that transformed technology into something truly tangible and exciting. , Intel庐 Education Outreach Day lead and Strategic Workforce Engagement Manager, reflected, 鈥淲itnessing the spark of excitement, engagement and empowerment with this hands-on AI experience was electric! Students had access to leading edge technology, access to be creative working alongside our technical volunteers and made a real connection that science and engineering is cool. It opens a world of infinite possibilities and potential for everyone!鈥�

Read on to learn about some of the highlights from Intel庐 Education Outreach Day, as told by the students, teachers, sponsors and exhibitors who made the event so memorable.听

Student Excitement

鈥淭here are a lot of people from different countries and it’s really interesting to see everything that people who aren’t from the United States are doing.鈥濃��Brooke, student, grade 5

鈥淭here’s a lot of stuff that you can check out. It’s not just one type of science from a class. There’s one with bugs, there’s one with chemistry and it鈥檚 all really cool.鈥濃��Charles, student, grade 6

鈥淢y favorite project was one that was able to detect tissue because my mom is a nurse and I think this could really help her.鈥濃��Max, student, grade 6

鈥淚 really like the medical projects. My friend and I looked at a project about cardiovascular health, and I thought it was really cool because they 3D-printed hearts. They were finding ways to make technology cheaper.鈥濃��Paisley, student, grade 9

Exhibitor and Sponsor Response

鈥淭his is the BUGMobile. We have tons of different live insects: tarantulas, scorpions, Madagascar hissing cockroaches, millipedes and much more. It鈥檚 nice because kids can see these insects in person and get used to them. In the media, they’re told insects are scary or creepy crawlies. Here, they can interact and see they鈥檙e really gentle creatures. Students鈥� favorites have been the spiny flower mantis, tarantulas and the chance to hold the bugs. It鈥檚 like a petting zoo, but for exotic insects, a moving lab where they can interact in a hands-on way.鈥濃��Harlem Staples, The Ohio State University Department of Entomology, exhibitor

鈥淲e are here to showcase pharmacy careers because there’s so much that pharmacists do that many people don鈥檛 know about. We have some engaging activities for students and we’re speaking to teachers about how we can involve them in our future efforts to help kids discover pharmacy careers. I’ve met so many young people today. I’ve talked to them about their projects and it鈥檚 amazing that so many different countries are represented.鈥濃��Leslie Dybiec, The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy, exhibitor

鈥淲e are using Legos as a model for DNA barcoding at our table. Students make short sequences of Legos to represent the four letters of DNA. We scan their sequences and compare them to known DNA sequences in a database. Then they can identify what species their DNA model would have come from. The students have been very active in participating and are asking great questions. I feel like they鈥檝e had a lot of fun today.鈥濃��Kelly Eames, Regeneron Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, exhibitor

鈥淢y station has 10 molecular model kits. Students can build everything from aspirin to caffeine to TNT. Students can take selfies with their creations to show their friends. Chemistry can get a bad rap for being hard or boring, but here it鈥檚 fun, exciting and hands-on.鈥� 鈥�Christopher Martin, American Chemical Society, exhibitor

鈥淚 have attended ISEF for the past four years, and it’s been amazing every year. All the finalists are incredibly talented. Since one of our biggest research centers is in Houston, we decided to bring one of our scientists to Education Outreach Day to demonstrate a few of our latest technologies, and we have tons of giveaways and different opportunities that we’re sharing with the students.鈥濃��Fahad鈥�Aljabry, Aramco, exhibitor and sponsor听

鈥淲e鈥檙e showing students what it鈥檚 like to be structural engineers using shake tables to test how tall they can build before their structures collapse. We鈥檝e also set up a small water conveyance challenge, where students use pipes to move marbles, fix leaks and build the longest network possible. The shake tables have been especially popular. We鈥檝e had a few budding engineers make it all the way to the highest level without collapsing their buildings!鈥濃��Ashley Earl, Jacobs, exhibitor and category judge

Volunteer and Teacher Voices

鈥淚t鈥檚 fantastic, and so cool to see all the different schools and students here. Everything鈥檚 well organized, and the kids are wonderful. This is my first time volunteering, and it鈥檚 been a great experience!鈥濃��Kristin Frazier, volunteer

鈥淚t鈥檚 been a day full of hands-on experiments. I can鈥檛 pull the kids away! They鈥檝e spent a lot of time at the DNA booth and the Invention Convention table. The Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation table was also a big hit.鈥濃��Bethany Hatch, The Plains Intermediate School, teacher

鈥淚t鈥檚 awesome. The kids are really interactive and having fun diving into all of these activities. They especially love anything hands-on: the Intel AI driving simulator, Lego DNA builder, just about everything.鈥濃��Jeff Merrill, Buckeye Local School District, teacher

鈥淧assion, excitement, and the joy of learning. There’s nothing better than that, right?鈥� 鈥�Chaperone from local Ohio middle school attending the Intel AI experience

Intel庐 Education Outreach Day inspired Ohio students and educators alike, sparking curiosity and community through 中文无码 experiences that will help build tomorrow鈥檚 innovators.

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