Each year, the Regeneron Science Talent Search brings together the best and brightest high school seniors across the United States, seeking innovative solutions to some of humanity’s greatest challenges. Around 1,800 students enter this prestigious competition annually, competing for scholarships, recognition, and the chance to share their ideas with the world. Of those, only 300 are chosen as semifinalists, receiving $2,000 awards. Ultimately, the top 40 are flown to Washington, D.C., to compete for $1.8 million in additional prizes, with one lucky winner receiving a life-changing $250,000 .
In 2020, the event made history, transitioning to a fully virtual format for the first time, but the switch didn’t dampen the brilliance of its young competitors. This year’s top award went to 17-year-old Lillian Kay Peterson from Los Alamos, New Mexico, for her groundbreaking invention aimed at predicting crop yields—a technology with immense potential to improve food security globally.
Tackling World Hunger
Lillian Kay Peterson’s winning tool offers a simple yet powerful solution to a complex global issue. Designed to help farmers and aid organizations predict crop harvests early in the growing season, her invention analyzes satellite imagery to assess vegetation health—a key indicator of crop yields. With this technology, experts can more accurately forecast food supplies, allowing for better planning and distribution efforts in regions vulnerable to food scarcity.
Peterson tested her tool rigorously, starting with U.S. crop data to validate its accuracy before applying it to countries across Africa. Her findings were promising: the tool could predict harvests with “remarkable accuracy,” aligning closely with official reported yields. As Maya Ajmera, president of the Society for Science & the Public, stated, “The current pandemic has made it clear how important science is to our well-being. With these finalists at the forefront of scientific and engineering discovery, I know we are in good hands” .
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Motivation Behind the Mission
Peterson’s inspiration is both personal and compassionate. Her family had adopted two children who had experienced food insecurity, a stark reality she understood firsthand. This, combined with her research on the devastating effects of the Ethiopian famine, drove her to create a tool that could support food security efforts worldwide.
Peterson wasn’t the only young scientist recognized for her groundbreaking work.
Runner-Up Inventions
In second place, 18-year-old Jagdeep Bhatia of New Jersey earned $175,000 for his work in artificial intelligence. Bhatia developed machine learning algorithms that allow computers to learn from human and computer-based instruction, a leap forward in robotics training and automation.
Brendan Crotty from Oklahoma took third place, winning $150,000 for his efficient hybrid gas burner. Designed to reduce emissions in industries like power generation, Crotty’s burner emits 19% less nitrogen dioxide, a pollutant that contributes to air quality issues and climate change .
Starvation in Africa
Peterson’s invention couldn’t come at a more crucial time. In April 2020, the Executive Director of the World Food Programme, David Beasley, warned that COVID-19 had created “the worst humanitarian crisis since the Second World War.” He described 135 million people—many in Africa—as already facing crisis-levels of hunger or worse, with an additional 130 million pushed to the brink by the pandemic’s effects.
Beasley emphasized the urgent need for early warning systems like Peterson’s, which could provide vital support to global food security initiatives. Without swift action, he warned, “we could be facing multiple famines of biblical proportions within a short few months” .
Support Science, Support the Future
These young innovators remind us that the future of science and technology lies in the hands of the next generation. As Peterson’s invention shows, even small solutions can have far-reaching impacts, potentially saving lives and transforming global systems. Supporting science education and initiatives like the Regeneron Science Talent Search not only empowers students but also contributes to solving some of the world’s most pressing problems.
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