Addison Shea of Lakewood Ranch High School was recently named a finalist by the Society for Science in the 2025 Science Talent Search, the nation’s s longest-running and most distinguished STEM competition for high school seniors.
The competition, now in its 84th year, identifies extraordinary young minds who blend scientific talent, curiosity, and leadership to drive meaningful change for society. Alumni in the competition, sponsored by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, have gone on to win 13 Nobel Prizes and 23 MacArthur Fellowships.
This year’s finalists’ research projects span a range of critical topics, including species migration, early detection crop protection, and low-cost pest treatment and management. Shea’s project – “Bowhead Whale Migration Amid Changing Circulation Patterns in the Beaufort Gyre” – studied how a changing Arctic Ocean current coincided with whale migration patterns.
Bowhead whales, who can live well over 100 years, are one of the few whale species that reside almost exclusively in Arctic waters. Bowhead whales were listed under the Endangered Species Act in 1973. Changing ocean currents can greatly affect food webs in the Arctic, affecting the nutrient supply, animal populations and the overall health of the marine ecosystem.
“These young people represent the future of innovation,” said Maya Ajmera, CEO of the Society for Science and executive publisher of Science News. “By nurturing the next generation of scientific and engineering leaders, we are investing in a stronger economy and a better tomorrow, fueled by scientific and technological breakthroughs.”
The finalists were selected from nearly 2,500 total entrants based on the originality and creativity of their scientific research as well as achievement and leadership inside and outside of the classroom. At LWR High, Shea’s multiple activities include service as an NHS public relations officer, Girl Up president, and three-year co-captain of the cross country team.
Finalists will participate in a weeklong competition from March 6-12, vying for more than $1.8 million in educational awards. Each finalist will receive at least $25,000, with the top 10 awards ranging from $40,000 to $250,000. The top 10 will be announced at a ceremony on March 11 in Washington, D.C.
For more information, visit societyforscience.org.
Submitted by Lauren Lake with staff report.