Four Kentucky students are among 300 semifinalists in the 2021 Regeneron Science Talent Search, selected from 1,760 applicants across the nation and in 10 foreign countries.

The Kentucky semifinalists are:

  • Saisha Dhar, 17, Paul Laurence Dunbar High School (Fayette County) for her project “The Role of Apoptosis Signal-Regulating Kinase 1 (ASK1) in Hyperoxia-Induced Lung Injury;”
  • Anne Liang, 18, duPont Manual High School (Jefferson County), for her project “Grape Polyphenols Inhibit Pro-Inflammatory Signaling and Dental Bacteria;”
  • Elaina Render, 18, duPont Manual High School, for her project “Exploring Probiotic Food Products as a Reservoir for Antimicrobial Resistance;” and
  • Jason Zhang, 17, The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science, for his project “The Photocatalytic Single-Electron Oxidative Cyclopropanation of Ene-Ynamides with 2, 6-Lutidine N-Oxide: Synthesis of Bicyclic Amides.”

Each student will receive $2,000. Another $2,000 will go to each semifinalist’s school for STEM-related projects.

On Jan. 21, the competition will be narrowed to 40 finalists, each of whom will receive at least $25,000. They will compete for a March award of more than $1.8 million.

High school seniors are eligible to participate in the Regeneron Talent Search, which showcases original research and discoveries. Criteria for the awards include exceptional research skills, commitment to academics, innovative thinking, and promise as scientists.