TARRYTOWN, NY–Staples High School senior Nolan Francis has been named a 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) Scholar. Francis is among just 300 high school students nationwide selected for this prestigious honor recognizing exceptional promise in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Administered by the Society for Science and sponsored by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, the Regeneron Science Talent Search is, according to the release, the nation’s oldest and most distinguished science and mathematics competition for high school seniors. This year’s competition drew 2,612 applicants from 46 states, Washington DC, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and 16 other countries, making Nolan’s selection especially notable.

Nolan’s research examined the cellular impact of vitamin D3 on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), a microscopic organism frequently used as a model for human biological systems. His work was deeply personal: a childhood friend lives with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a rare and progressive genetic disorder that affects muscle strength.

Over the past several years, Nolan conducted this research as part of the Staples High School Science Research program, working under the mentorship of Amy Parent, who guided him through experimental design, analysis, and presentation of his findings.

“We are incredibly proud of Nolan for this achievement, which reflects his passion, perseverance, and dedication to improving the lives of others through science,” said Stafford Thomas Jr., Principal of Staples High School. “His work is a testament to the culture of innovation we have built at Staples and the incredible mentorship provided by our faculty.”

As a Regeneron STS Scholar, Nolan will receive a $2,000 award, and Staples High School will also receive $2,000 to support STEM-related learning. Nolan now advances to the next phase of the competition, with 40 finalists to be announced on January 21. Finalists will participate in a competition this spring and compete for awards totaling more than $1.8 million, including a top prize of $250,000.

The Regeneron Science Talent Search alumni community includes Nobel Prize winners, MacArthur Fellows, leading researchers, and innovators whose early work began with this same recognition.

Westport Public Schools congratulates Nolan on this outstanding achievement and wishes him continued success as he advances in the competition.