High Tech Senior Arya Tschand Wins One of Seven Grand Awards at the International Science & Engineering Fair
On May 21, 2021, senior Arya Tscahnd was awarded the Craig R. Barrett Award for Innovation, one of the top awards for student research at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).
ISEF is held annually in May, and students from around the world who have qualified and advanced from local and regional science fairs are able to compete in the largest, and most prestigious science competitions. This year, over 1800 students from all over the globe showcased their research, and competed to take home one of the Grand Awards. To be eligible for one of the Grand Awards, a student must place first in their category, of which there were 21 categories in this year's competition.
This years, seven Grand Awards were awarded at ISEF, and included:
George D. Yancopoulos Innovator Award of $75,000
Regeneron Young Scientist Awards (2) of $50,000 each
The Gordon E. Moore Award for Positive Outcomes for Future Generations of $50,000
Craig R. Barrett Award for Innovation of $10,000
Robert Horvitz Prize for Fundamental Research of $10,000
Peggy Scripps Award for Science Communication of $10,000
Arya's research project, entitled "Implementation of Novel Semi-Supervised Machine Learning Model into Autonomous Irrigation Network Optimized for Power Self-Sufficiency" competed in the category of Engineering Mechanics. Arya placed first in that category, earning him $5,000 in prize money, and making him eligible for one of the Grand Awards. Craig R. Barrett Award for Innovation is awarded to the finalist/project at ISEF "who best demonstrates an innovation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, recognizing that research and innovation are dependent on the integration of these disciplines, as well as, the impact they collectively have on our everyday lives." The $10,000 prize was awarded as a scholarship that may be applied to post-secondary education.
In addition to the Grand Award, Arya also won a Special Award on Thursday, May 20th, from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Arya's project won the second-place award in Agriculture and Food Security, with a cash prize of $3,000.
Having a student win a Grand Award at ISEF is truly an outstanding achievement, and places Arya amongst the top 7 research projects in the world carried out and competing in the 2020-21 school year. Students from HTHS have previously competed at ISEF, including sophomore Jue Gong, who competed this year with her independent research project titled, "Effect of topspin on Displacement of Tennis Balls."
Congrats to Arya! The High Technology community is proud of your achievements and looks forward to seeing the great things you will do in the future.
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