PWCS Students Earn Honors at 2026 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair
Provided by PWCSPrince William County Public Schools (PWCS) celebrates three student research teams that competed at the 2026 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), one of the world’s. . .
Provided by PWCSPrince William County Public Schools (PWCS) celebrates three student research teams that competed at the 2026 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), one of the world’s premier science competitions. The event brought together approximately 1,725 high school finalists from 65 countries, regions, and territories, showcasing innovative research across a range of scientific disciplines. Atiksh Bhan, a sophomore at Charles J. Colgan Sr. High School, earned a second-place award and $2,400 in the behavioral and social sciences category. He also earned recognition from the American Psychological Association, including a complimentary student affiliate membership. His project,Designing for Presence: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Incentive Structures to Reduce Smartphone Use During Social Interactions, examined how different incentive structures reduce smartphone use and improve attention and engagement during social interactions. Through a randomized controlled trial, Bhan tested how behavioral strategies enhance social presence—an increasingly important issue in today’s technology-driven world. His research demonstrates how student work can address meaningful societal challenges. Erin Jansen, a sophomore at Patriot High School, earned a fourth-place award and $600 in the materials science category for her project,Sustainable Leather Alternatives: The Effect of Zinc Oxide and Microcrystalline Cellulose on Mechanical Properties and UV-Blocking of Sodium Alginate- and Gelatin-Based Biomaterials. Jansen developed sustainable alternatives to traditional leather using biomaterials made from sodium alginate and gelatin. She enhanced the materials with zinc oxide and microcrystalline cellulose to improve durability and UV protection. Jensen’s work highlights how science advances environmentally responsible solutions. Mazen Ben Chouikha, Michael Obeng, and Devin Wanchoo, juniors at Osbourn Park High School and The Governor’s School @ Innovation Park,earned a fourth-place award and $600 in the engineering technology: statics and dynamics category for their project,AEROCOOL: Aerospike Engine Research on Cooling Through Biomimicry. The team explored a biomimicry-inspired cooling system for aerospike rocket engines. They studied natural cooling mechanisms and applied those concepts to aerospace engineering challenges, developing innovative approaches to improve engine efficiency and performance. Their work demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary thinking to solve complex, real-world problems. All three PWCS teams advanced through a rigorous regional selection process to compete at ISEF, reflecting the strength of student research and the division’s commitment to innovation, critical thinking and real-world application of learning.