
Regeneron and Society for Science selected The Frazer School senior Sophia Rong as a finalist in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2025. Rong was the only finalist from this area, and one of 40 from around the nation.
Rong was selected for the talent search, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors, for a math model she created which explains how HIV sticks around, even during treatment.
The model uses simulations and data to show that the virus can pass directly between cells and enter their DNA, forming a pool of latent infection that HIV drugs cannot touch. The latent virus can reactivate and drive spikes in viral activity.
Rong believes her work could help design better HIV drugs, according to a press release.
Last fall, Rong was one of 13 Florida students at the MIT Math Prize for Girls championship. She was also one of nine The Frazer School students to earn recognition as National Merit Scholarship semifinalists.
From March 6-12, Rong will join the other Regeneron finalists for a week-long competition, undergoing a rigorous judging process to compete for more than $1.8 million in awards.
Each finalist will receive $25,000. The top 10 awards, which will be announced during an awards ceremony on March 11, range from $40,000 to $250,000.
The Regeneron Science Talent Search is now in its 84th year of identifying extraordinary young minds who blend scientific talent, curiosity and bold leadership to drive meaningful change for society.
Regeneron Science Talent Search alumni have gone on to win 13 Nobel Prizes, 23 MacArthur Fellowships, and have founded numerous world-changing companies, including Regeneron.
“Regeneron now helps millions of people around the world facing serious diseases, which is a testament to what is possible when young scientific talent is nurtured. I see that same potential to transform our world in these finalists, and I look forward to their future contributions to science and to human health,” George D. Yancopoulos president and chief scientific officer of Regeneron, who was a top winner in 1976, said in a press release.
The finalists were selected from 300 top scholars and nearly 2,500 total entrants.
“We celebrate this exceptional group of Regeneron Science Talent Search finalists for their outstanding achievements,” said Maya Ajmera, president and CEO of Society for Science and Executive Publisher of Science News, in the release. “These young people represent the future of innovation. By nurturing the next generation of scientific and engineering leaders, we are investing in a stronger economy and a better tomorrow, fueled by scientific and technological breakthroughs.”
Last year, Regeneron named Buchholz High School senior Nathan Wei as a top 40 finalist, and he earned fourth place for his research on plastic polymers.