MacArthur senior named a Regeneron Science Talent Search finalist

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Melody Hong, a senior at General Douglas MacArthur High School in Levittown, has been named one of 40 finalists in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search, a prestigious national STEM competition for high school students. She is one of six finalists from Long Island, a region known for its strong presence in the competition.

Hong’s research project, titled “A Bayesian Exploration into more Flexible trans-Methylation Quantitative Trait Locus Mapping,” focuses on developing alternative statistical methods to better identify genetic variants associated with complex diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Type 1 diabetes. Her work sheds light on trans-mQTLRs, key variants that help understand the genetic basis of DNA methylation, a chemical modification critical to gene function.

Hong began the project during the summer before her junior year, guided by her mentor, Hélène Ruffieux, a mathematical statistician at the University of Cambridge. “I’m really glad to share the joy of success,” Hong said to the Herald, emphasizing the collaborative effort behind her research.

David Friedman, MacArthur’s science research adviser, has worked with Hong since her freshman year. He described her as “an incredible young woman” who is passionate about her research and poised to make a significant impact in her field.

In addition to her scientific accomplishments, Hong is captain of her school’s Science Olympiad team, competes in the Quiz Bowl, and serves as principal cellist in the chamber orchestra.

The Regeneron Science Talent Search, founded in 1942, is the nation’s longest-running STEM competition for high school seniors. It has produced alumni who have won Nobel Prizes and MacArthur Fellowships. This year, 40 finalists were selected from 300 semifinalists and nearly 2,500 entrants. Each finalist will receive at least $25,000, with awards totaling more than $1.8 million.

Finalists will participate in a week-long competition in Washington, D.C., from March 6-12. They will present their research to judges and the public, with top awards ranging from $40,000 to $250,000.

MacArthur High School Principal Joseph Sheehan praised Hong’s achievement. “Melody mirrors all the traits and characteristics that model the ideal student,” Sheehan said.

Hong plans to major in applied mathematics, pursue a Ph.D., and become a biostatistician. She has been accepted to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, her top choice, and is awaiting decisions from Harvard and Princeton.