Schools / Northern Virginia / January 23, 2025

TJHSST Scientist Reaches Finals for $250,000 National Prize

Ray Zhang, a student at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, was named one of 40 finalists in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search on Jan. 23.

By Tysons Times Staff

Editorial illustration of Northern Virginia community life with transit, schools and local businesses — A Tysons Times illustration represents community life across Tysons and Northern Virginia. Photo: Tysons Times / AI illustration

Coverage area: Northern Virginia
Section: Schools
Published: January 23, 2025
Topics: schools, arts

Article Text

Ray Zhang, a student at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, was named one of 40 finalists in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search on Jan. 23.

Zhang advanced from a field of 300 scholars with a project examining biofilm composition in clinical isolates of the Fusarium fungus and developing a treatment that targets multiple pathways to inhibit fungal growth.

The Regeneron Science Talent Search, a Society for Science program, is a leading national science competition for students before college.

Each finalist will receive at least $25,000 and travel to Washington, D.C., in March for final judging. The students will also present their work to the public, meet prominent scientists and compete for additional awards, including a $250,000 top prize.

Winners are scheduled to be announced March 11.

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