Three Syosset High School students have been named 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search (Regeneron STS) Scholars. Congratulations to Syosset High School seniors Elaine Liu, Grace C. Liu, and Nikhil Shah. The Regeneron STS is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious pre-college science competition. 
 
These students were selected from more than 2,600 U.S. and international high school students who submitted original research in critically important scientific fields of study. They are among 300 students named Regeneron STS scholars and hope to be among 40 finalists named later this month. Each scholar will receive a $2,000 award with an additional $2,000 per scholar going to the high school to support STEM education. STS scholars are selected based on their exceptional research skills, commitment to academics, innovative thinking and promise as scientists as demonstrated through the submission of their original, independent research projects, essays, and recommendation.
 
“Our entire research team is thrilled to see Elaine, Grace, and Nikhil recognized as scholars,” said Syosset High School lead research facilitator Heather Miller. “Their work in the social sciences highlights a deep commitment to understanding the world around them, and their thoughtfulness, curiosity, and originality exemplify the very best of our students.” Syosset High School’s science research department submitted an astounding 34 projects this year. 
 
Elaine Liu completed her project, “The Effects of Apology Strategies on the Spread and Intensity of Cancel Culture Incidents,” at Syosset High School under the direction of Dr. Brett Klopp. Elaine’s study sought to examine how different social media apology strategies influence public backlash in cancel culture incidents by analyzing linguistic patterns and online engagement metrics. Her findings identified specific strategies that significantly mitigated the spread of public shaming, informing more effective approaches to accountability in the digital age.
 
Grace C. Liu completed her project, “Evaluating Gender Differences in the Effects of Ambiguity and Misperception on Entrepreneurship in Three Business Development Stages: A Panel Data Analysis,” at Syosset High School under the direction of Dr. Willem Spanjers and Ms. Erin O'Rourke. Grace investigated why so few women start businesses and why many policy solutions remain too vague to be effective by using a novel mathematical decision-theory model and panel data, applying econometric methods to quantify the impact of entrepreneurial behavioral characteristics. Her findings suggest that uncertainty aversion can discourage women from becoming entrepreneurs and provides specific, actionable policies to prevent further gender disparities.
 
Nikhil Shah completed his project, “Examining the Impact of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines on Racial Disparities in Federal Sentencing,” at Syosset High School under the mentorship of Dr. Brett Klopp. Analyzing 26,435 federal court cases, Nikhil’s research is the first to provide quantitative evidence that the Sentencing Guidelines are ineffective at mitigating racial inequalities in sentencing. His findings pave a clear path forward for sentencing reform and contribute to ongoing efforts to advance equity in the American justice system.
 
The 40 finalists in the competition, to be named on January 21, will undergo a rigorous judging process, interact with leading scientists, display their research for the public, meet with national leaders, and compete for more than $1.8 million in awards provided by Regeneron.