On Tuesday, the William S. Hart Union School District announced that Zachary Jones, a 12th grader dually enrolled at Learning Post Academy and Hart High School, has been selected as a finalist in the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), the world’s largest pre-college STEM competition. 

“We are incredibly proud of Zack for this remarkable achievement,” said Hart District Superintendent Mike Kuhlman. “He is a great example of the dedication and intellectual curiosity that thrives within our district. His selection as a finalist at ISEF demonstrates his hard work and passion for science.”

The ISEF competition is sponsored by the Society for Science, according to officials. 

This prestigious honor recognizes Jones’s outstanding research project in the biochemistry and molecular biology category titled, “Recombinant Synthesis of Hyaluronic With Modified Ige Binding Site for the Purpose Allergenicity.” 

The student’s journey to ISEF began at the 74th Annual Los Angeles County Science and Engineering Fair in March, where he won first place for his project. 

Jones is one of the seven finalists selected to represent Los Angeles County at the international competition to be held May 11th to 17th at the Los Angeles Convention Center. 

Jones is also set to compete in the California Science and Engineering Fair on April 16th, added officials. 

At ISEF, Jones is set to have the opportunity to showcase his research alongside some of the brightest young minds from around the world. 

Jones is set to compete for prestigious awards and scholarships that can help him on a path of scientific discovery. 

The Hart District would also like to recognize the outstanding achievement of 11 other L.A. County Science Fair award winners: 

• Evan Friedman, Rancho Pico Junior High School, 1st Place Junior Division Physics – Aerodynamics/Hydrodynamics: “Foward Swept Wing Aircraft”
• Sai Tej Chikati & Gurudev Nayak, Rancho Pico Junior High School, 2nd Place Junior Division Engineering Applications: “Don’t Sleep”
• Shivam Aggarwal, Rancho Pico Junior High School, 2nd Place Junior Division Physics – Electricity & Magnetism: “Electricity From Freezing Water”
• Vinayan Tiruvellore & Gautham Korrapati, Academy of the Canyons, 3rd Place Senior Division Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: “From Bytes to Breaths: Battling Pulmonary Fibrosis With Machine Learning”
• Tvisha Premjith, Rancho Pico Junior High School, Honorable Mention Junior Division Mathematics & Computer Sciences: “Deepfake Detective”
• Brandon Chang, Omkar Guha, Kent Gao, West Ranch High School, Honorable Mention Senior Division Mathematics & Computer Sciences: “An Analysis of Insecticide Treated Nets on Malaria Transmission Dynamics in Malawi,” and Science Champion Award, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
• Ian Lee, Rancho Pico Junior High School, Southern California Social Impact Award: “Is Your Password Strong Enough?”

The Hart District is proud of all its students who participated in the regional science and congratulates all the finalists on their well-deserved recognition. 

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