YHS Senior Named a Regeneron Top 300 Scholar

Congratulations to Yorktown High School senior Eric Song for being recognized as a Top 300 scholar in the 2024 Regeneron Science Talent Search! This competition celebrates the achievements of high school seniors and their innovative research projects.

Eric's project focuses on tackling the growing issue of ransomware, a form of cyberattack that holds computer data hostage in exchange for a ransom. His software not only identifies and detects ransomware but also halts the key used by attackers to lock up data, allowing users to retrieve their files.

Unlike most research in this field, which primarily focuses on prevention software, Eric's project aims to mitigate the damage caused by these attacks. He believes that prevention measures can be costly, resource-intensive, and often ineffective against determined attackers. Calling ransomware “one of the biggest threats to computing systems today,” Eric is looking to address a multi-billion-dollar problem that has affected many consumers, businesses, governments, and organizations around the world.

Eric's passion for using his computer skills to help others has been nurtured through the Yorktown High School Science Research Program, which has provided him with unique opportunities to explore his favorite subject at an advanced level.

“The Science Research program has given me so many opportunities to connect with the best and brightest of the field,” Eric said. “I was able to connect to computer hackers, AI experts, and military and government officials, I don't think I ever would've dreamed of having these opportunities without the program. Additionally, the program has many like-minded people driven towards improving the world through research, and they're a fantastic bunch to be around.”

His science research project began in the summer of 2022 and has received high praise for its innovation and effectiveness. In 2023, he was awarded second place in the Systems Software category at the International Science and Engineering Fair in Dallas, Texas.

Mr. Paul Rubeo, Eric's science research teacher at Yorktown High School, expressed his pride in Eric's accomplishments and highlighted his self-driven nature. He commended Eric's passion for his topic and acknowledged the amazing work he produced independently, with support from mentors and teachers. “He deserves the recognition as an STS Top 300 Scholar and we are very proud of him.”

This year's Science Talent Search was the most competitive since 1969, with 2,162 students submitting their projects for consideration. As a Top 300 scholar, Eric has secured a $2,000 scholarship for both himself and Yorktown High School.

Later this month, 40 of the top Regeneron scholars will be selected as finalists and will compete for more than $1.8 million in awards during a weeklong competition that will take place in March in Washington, D.C.