Thursday, October 1, 2026
Cole Stern, a senior at John F. Kennedy High School in Bellmore, has been named one of 300 scholars nationwide in the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search competition, earning recognition for his research on extreme weather and climate-driven flooding.
The honor was announced on Jan. 7, placing Stern, 17, among the top high school researchers in the country. Scholars are selected based on the rigor and originality of their research, scientific potential and quality of their written work.
Stern’s project took a deep dive into Tropical Storm Ophelia, the Sept. 29, 2023, tri-state flooding event that brought record rainfall to Long Island and surrounding areas. Using advanced atmospheric modeling, Stern analyzed how unusually warm ocean temperatures contributed to the intensity of the storm.
“I’ve always been interested in weather and how global factors affect what happens here,” Stern said. “With global warming, changes in ocean and air temperatures are making extreme weather more likely, and I wanted to understand why.”
The research was conducted through the district’s Advanced Science Research Program under the guidance of Barbi Frank, the program’s director and Stern’s research teacher, along with support from a professional mentor at the National Hurricane Center. Stern spent nearly two years learning advanced computer coding and running simulations using the Weather Research and Forecasting model.
“Any project involving weather requires extensive coding,” Stern said. “I spent most of 2024 learning Python, and then hundreds of hours running and interpreting simulations. It was a lot of work, but I loved every part of it.”
Frank said Stern’s passion for meteorology was evident from the start.
“Cole’s excitement about weather radiates from him,” she said. “He built his own weather station at home, participates in professional weather forums and truly loves what he does. When I read his paper, his passion came through so clearly, and that’s what made his work special.”
Stern said the idea for the project was sparked after witnessing the storm’s intense rainfall firsthand.
“I was walking home from a meeting, and the rain was unlike anything I’d ever seen,” he said. “It just kept pouring for hours. I started wondering what caused it and whether global warming played a role.”
That same storm ultimately led to the cancellation of Kennedy High School’s homecoming dance, a moment Frank said helped solidify Stern’s research focus.
The Advanced Science Research Program requires students to complete three years of independent research, and Frank said Stern’s success reflects the strength of the district’s science offerings.
“These students are doing graduate-level research in high school,” she said. “Cole may be the only scholar this year, but the level of work across the program is something the district should be incredibly proud of.”
Beyond his scientific research, Stern also is active in extracurricular activities at school. He’s a member of the math club, editor of the news section of the school newspaper, The Cougar Choir, and on the district’s bowling team. He also mentors younger students in the research program, helping them with writing, presentations and project development.
Each Regeneron Scholar received a $2,000 award, along with an additional $2,000 designated for the school’s science program. From the 300 scholars, 40 finalists will be selected later this month to compete for top honors, including a $250,000 grand prize.
Stern said he hopes his work will help improve weather forecasting, as well as public safety.
“My research showed that warmer ocean temperatures played a critical role in heavy rainfall,” he said. “If forecasters can better understand that, it can lead to earlier warnings and help reduce risks to life and property.”
Stern added that he plans to study meteorology in college and continue his research on climate and weather modeling.
“I want to keep studying global warming and weather systems,” he said. “If better models can help people prepare for extreme events, that’s how I want to make a difference.”
