Austin ISD Liberal Arts and Science Academy student Sam Christian has been named a top 40 finalist in the 80th Regeneron Science Talent Search, earning him $25,000 in the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. 

Christian was selected from 1,760 highly qualified entrants from 611 high schools in 45 states and 10 other countries, all of whom completed an original research project and extensive application process. Earlier this month, the Society and Regeneron named Christian a top 300 scholar. The finalists were selected based on their projects’ scientific rigor and their potential to become world-changing scientists and leaders.

Christian was chosen for his research project, “A Possible Alignment Between Orbits of Visual Binary Stars and Their Planetary Systems,” which was judged by leading experts in their fields. 

LASA Principal Stacia Crescenzi said the recognition is an amazing accomplishment.

“We are very excited for Sam to receive this recognition for his research,” she said. “Sam is an exemplary student. He is the senior class president, Science Olympiad team member, and dedicated researcher. We’ve always known Sam was an all-around amazing person, now everyone else will know it too.”

Christian will participate in a virtual competition in March where he will undergo a rigorous virtual judging process to compete for more than $1.8 million in awards. He will also have an opportunity to interact with leading scientists and display their projects to the public during a virtual event.

The top 10 Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021 winners will be announced during a live-streamed virtual awards ceremony on March 17. In total, more than $3 million in awards will be distributed throughout the Regeneron Science Talent Search, which includes awards to finalists as well as $2,000 provided to each of the top 300 scholars and their schools.

For more information on the Regeneron Science Talent Search please visit www.societyforscience.org.

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