Olivia Zhang ’26 Named 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar for Research on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Kent Place is proud to announce that senior Olivia Zhang has been named a 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar for her study titled Adipocyte-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Reprogram Tumor Cells and Drive Stemness in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. 

Regeneron Science Talent Search is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. It gives students a national stage to present original research and celebrates the hard work and novel discoveries of young scientists who are bringing a fresh perspective to significant global challenges. 

Scholars were chosen based on their research, leadership skills, community involvement, commitment to academics, creativity in asking scientific questions, and exceptional promise as STEM leaders demonstrated through the submission of their original, independent research projects, essays, and recommendations. Olivia is one of 300 scholars selected from a competitive pool of more than 2,600.

“I was inspired to pursue this research for two reasons,” Olivia says. “First, while obesity is strongly associated with aggressive triple-negative breast cancer, much of the existing research focuses on cell-to-cell communication and overlooks how fat cells communicate with tumors through extracellular vesicles. Second, because the biomarkers within these vesicles can be detected through liquid biopsies, they offer a pathway toward more minimally invasive and accessible approaches to cancer monitoring.”

Says Spandita Majumder, Upper School math teacher and Olivia’s official mentor for the application process, “Olivia showed a high level of independence and rigor in her research. She is a hardworking student who approaches challenges with persistence. As her teacher, I always see Olivia approach her work with focus, discipline, and attention to detail.”

Lise Woodring, who teaches Upper School AP Biology, wrote a recommendation for Olivia’s application. “From the moment Olivia stepped foot into AP Biology, her junior year,” Ms. Woodring says, “she challenged herself to derive as much as possible from the course, and she consistently blew away that challenge by more thoroughly investigating concepts that had intrigued her in class on her own outside of school hours. Olivia always utilizes her education to look outward and assist other individuals in need."

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to join a global network of scholars who share a genuine commitment to solving real-world problems,” Olivia says.

Our congratulations to Olivia on this incredible honor!