New Rochelle High School Senior Named Regeneron Scholar
New Rochelle High School senior Elena Coelho Adams has been named among the top 300 scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) for 2025. The Regeneron STS is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious math and science competition for high school seniors.
Elena has been part of the high school’s Science Research Program for four years. She received recognition for her senior research project, “Music to My Eyes: The Relationships Between Auditory and Visual Input and the Formation of Synesthetic Associations.”
The Regeneron STS scholars were selected from nearly 2,500 entrants from 795 high schools across 48 states, American Samoa, Guam, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, and 14 other countries. The complete list of scholars can be at https://www.societyforscience.org/regeneron-sts/.
Elena, also named the Class of 2025 Valedictorian, will receive $2,000 as part of this award. Our high school will also receive $2,000 for supporting her success in STEM endeavors. She is one of only 17 Westchester County students from 12 schools who achieved this award this year.
“I’m beyond honored to receive this recognition!” Adams said on hearing the news. “I’m so thankful for the opportunity to have participated in the science research program and for my teachers’ tireless efforts throughout my four years as a part of it.”
STS Scholars were chosen based on their outstanding research, leadership skills, community involvement, commitment to academics, creativity in asking scientific questions, and demonstration of exceptional promise as leaders in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through original, independent research projects, essays, and recommendations.
“Elena never ceases to amaze us. Everyone in our research program is ecstatic over Elena’s selection as a Scholar, and we’re all phenomenally proud of her,” said Jeff Wuebber, who directs the Science Research Program with Erica Curran. “Working with Elena on her synesthesia research has been an inspiring reminder of the power of perseverance and curiosity,” added Ms. Curran. “Her recognition as an STS Top 300 Scholar reflects her remarkable growth and dedication, and it’s an honor to celebrate this milestone with her.”
On January 23, 40 of the 300 scholars will be named Regeneron Science Talent Search finalists and compete for more than $1.8 million in awards during a weeklong competition in Washington, D.C., from March 6 to March 12.
Elena is truly a remarkable and multi-talented student. This recognition is just the latest in a growing list of honors that she has garnered while at NRHS.
She has been named a National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalist in science and mathematics and has received the prestigious Rensselaer Medal. Additionally, she has achieved remarkable success in competitions, earning the bronze award at the International Genius Olympiad in Science and placing third twice and second once at the Westchester Science and Engineering Fair (WESEF). She is also co-president of the Math Honor Society and a member of the Columbia Science Honors Program, where she has participated for three years.
Elena earned the Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Humanities Award and the National Hispanic Recognition Award in humanities and cultural studies. She is a dedicated volunteer English teacher for Brazilian students and has achieved the New York State Seal of Biliteracy in English, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Elena is also a member of PAVE Visual Arts, president of the Book Club, and co-president of New Rochelle United Science Exploration, our middle school science competition. She is also a member of the National Honor Society, demonstrating her commitment to academic excellence and service.