Congratulations to VBHS student Griffin Wagner who is recognized as a Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar! Out of nearly 2,000 applicants, only 300 are selected for this honor. The scholars are selected based on their exceptional research skills, commitment to academics, innovative thinking and promise as scientists.

Griffin, under the mentorship of VBHS teacher Jeff Bush, has been conducting research in the field of Marine Biology. As a freshman, he began working in the VBHS laboratories growing algae. Today, as a senior, he is working with leading scientists at the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute to perform the first machine learning survey of microcystin hepatotoxins in the Indian River Lagoon.

This recognition is an extraordinary accomplishment for Griffin, and for VBHS! Griffin will receive $2,000, and VBHS will also receive $2,000 to use toward STEM-related activities.

On January 22, Regeneron and Society will announce the top 40 finalists. Those finalists will travel to Washington, D.C. from March 5-10 to undergo a rigorous judging process, interact with leading scientists, display their research for the public and meet with national leaders. You can find more information about the top 300 scholars by visiting the Society for Science website.

The Regeneron Science Talent Search, founded and produced by Society for Science & the Public, is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. It recognizes and empowers promising young scientists in the U.S. who are creating the ideas and solutions that will address our world’s most urgent challenges.