Posted 11 June, 2025
Fourteen student finalists and seven observers represented Iowa at the 75th Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, held May 11–16 in Columbus, Ohio. ISEF, the world’s largest international STEM competition for high school students, hosted 1,657 finalists from 63 countries, regions and territories, presenting 1,334 innovative projects across every field of science and engineering.
Representing the Eastern Iowa Science and Engineering Fair, Western Iowa Science and Engineering Fair and the State Science and Technology Fair of Iowa, these students engaged in a weeklong celebration of scientific achievement, cultural exchange and mentorship.
Representing Iowa were 14 students who earned their spots through rigorous regional and state science fair competitions. Youth finalists were Benjamin Lothamer, Mid-Prairie Home School Education Center; Antariksha Sharma, Trent Hefner and Xiohan Wang, all of Maharishi Schools; Winston Fan and Shanza Sami, both of Iowa City West High School; Ritvik Gupta and Henry Zou, both of Johnston High School; Emerson Waltz and Abby Lampe, both of Algona High School; Maribelle Zirkel and Kelly Takorbisong, both of Keokuk High School; Valerie Rahe of Beckman Catholic High School; and Amal Eltayib of Iowa City High School.
“ISEF is not just an amazing experience filled with fun events and judging; it’s a place to meet hundreds of students working on ideas that will change our futures,” said Antariksha Sharma of Maharishi Schools. “Meeting them sparks so many ideas and motivates me.”
In addition to youth finalists, Iowa sent seven youth observers to experience ISEF. They are considered “rising stars,” noted Alexa Groff, 4-H STEM specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Observing ISEF is intended to help motivate them to return as finalists. The Eastern Iowa Science and Engineering Fair selects the top middle school project winners, and the Western Iowa Science and Engineering Fair selects the top ninth-grade project winners to receive trips to ISEF. The observers take part in all activities except judging. While finalists are getting judged, observers engage in a program that teaches them more about elite research. They also help the Society for Science with their outreach program.
Youth observers were Harper Wesley of Keokuk High School; Jack Ragar of Holy Trinity Schools; Olivia Snider of Algona High School; Ashley Gutierrez of Des Moines Lincoln High School; James Marquess of Marshalltown High School; Addison Hohl of Central Lee High School; and Hayden Ochletree of North Polk High School.
The event featured key traditions such as the Pin Trading Ceremony and educational outreach, allowing students to connect with peers, industry leaders and STEM professionals. Iowa finalists engaged in rigorous project presentations and judging, while observers gained firsthand experience to prepare for future competitions.
“ISEF was such an unforgettable experience because of the people I met. Pin trading has always been my favorite part because it allows students to learn about so many different cultures,” said Emerson Waltz. “And the research at ISEF is at such a high level that the only project I could really understand was my own. Going to ISEF is something I have spent years working for and it definitely did not disappoint.”
Team Iowa also visited the Center of Science and Industry, toured the ISEF Expo and participated in networking sessions with top STEM organizations, gaining insight into future STEM career pathways. The week concluded with the Special and Grand Awards Ceremonies, where over $9 million in prizes and scholarships were awarded.
“Congratulations to this year’s extraordinary Regeneron ISEF finalists and winners,” said Dr. George D. Yancopoulos, co-founder, board co-chair, president and chief scientific officer of Regeneron. “My own high school science project lit a fire in me that changed the course of my life. Today, I see these students carrying that same spark forward by asking bold questions, pushing boundaries and proving that innovative science can take on humanity’s biggest challenges.”
The Iowa delegation made a strong showing, winning six awards total. In addition to medals, the young people earned tuition scholarships and monetary awards.