Staples High School Senior Named Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar

WESTPORT, CT — Staples High School senior Nolan Francis has been named a 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar, placing him among 300 students nationwide selected for the honor.

The Regeneron Science Talent Search, administered by the Society for Science and sponsored by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, is the nation’s longest-running science and mathematics competition for high school seniors. This year, 2,612 students applied from 46 states, Washington, D.C., the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and 16 other countries.

Francis was recognized for research examining the effects of vitamin D3 at the cellular level in Duchenne muscular dystrophy using Caenorhabditis elegans, a microscopic roundworm commonly used as a model organism in biological research. Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness. Francis said his interest in the topic was influenced by a childhood friend who has the disease.

He conducted the research over several years through the Staples High School Science Research program, working under the mentorship of science teacher Amy Parent.

"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, in a statement. "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 Science Talent Search Scholar, Francis will receive a $2,000 award, and Staples High School will receive an additional $2,000 to support science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.

Francis advances to the next stage of the competition, with 40 finalists to be announced Jan. 21.

Finalists will compete this spring for awards totaling more than $1.8 million, including a top prize of $250,000.

Alumni of the Regeneron Science Talent Search include Nobel Prize winners, MacArthur Fellows and researchers in a range of scientific fields.