WESTHAMPTON BEACH, N.Y. — A Westhampton Beach High School senior made her hometown proud.
Jessica Curran is the second Westhampton Beach High School senior to be named a scholar in the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search.
She is one of only 300 students nationwide to earn the honor from the nation's oldest and most prestigious science and math competition, the district said.
Last year, senior Jack Schultz of Westhampton Beach was the first to be named a Regeneron Scholar, the district said.
“I was very excited,” said Curran, when I learned of the recognition. “It was very validating for all my research.”
To win the honor, a $2,000 scholarship and a chance to be a finalist in the competition, Curran demonstrated her research skills, leadership, community involvement and commitment to academics through an application process. She submitted her research project, “Analyzing the Effectiveness of Dasysiphonia japonica as Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer through Abelmoschus esculentus Growth and Pigment Concentration,” as part of the application.
Curran said she chose the research project because the algae are invasive on Long Island and she wanted to find ways to use them as fertilizer. It is continuing its research into the matter at Brookhaven National Laboratory, the district said.
“It's exciting to see Jessica's hard work recognized by such a prestigious science competition,” said Superintendent Carolyn Probst. “Winning this recognition for Westhampton Beach for the second year in a row is a point of pride for the region and speaks volumes for the quality of work happening in the scientific research program.”
“Jessica has taken full advantage of all our district has to offer during her four years in Westhampton Beach,” said Principal Dr. Christopher Herr. “She has gone above and beyond. We are so proud and can't wait to see what the future holds for this bright and dedicated young lady.”
Science research professor Dianna Gobler added, “Jessica is so deserving of this honor. She has embraced every scientific opportunity offered to her [and] he works tirelessly to succeed in everything he does. I couldn't be more proud of her.”
In addition to being named a Regeneron Scholar, Curran recently earned a perfect score on the AP Research exam, a feat that only 357 students in the world achieved this year. She is also an AP Scholar with Distinction and a Distinguished Scholar in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program as a result of her outstanding qualifying exam scores.
Curran is vice president of her school's National Honor Society and a member of the environmental Cure Club, robotics team and Quiz Bowl. Outside of school, she volunteers with Westhampton Ambulance and is a Girl Scout who has earned her Gold Award, the highest award in Girl Scouting.
Curran has been accepted to Princeton University, but has not officially committed. He plans to study environmental engineering.
“The Westhampton Beach School District congratulates Jessica Curran on this impressive achievement,” the district said.
