CPS students attended the 76th Annual Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Phoenix, AZ the week of 5/10 - 5/15. Regeneron ISEF 2026 featured 1,727 finalists with 1,383 projects representing 365 affiliate fairs across 67 countries, regions, and territories.
Our first representative, Saatvik Viniak, a sophomore from Walter Payton College Prep, had the project BMED008 - Adipose FFAR2: Inflammation & Gut Dysplasia in the Category of Biomedical and Health Sciences.
Our second representative, Maizie Koentopp, a freshman at Northside College Prep, had the project PLNT007 - Endophytic Impact on Buckwheat Health. She received the Grand Award of 3rd Place in the Category of Plant Sciences.
Our third representative, Keith Xin, a senior at Whitney Young, had the project CHEM010 - Nanocellulose Hydrogels for Arsenite Removal. He received the Grand Award of 2nd Place in the Category of Chemistry.
Our fourth representative, Cynthia Chen, a junior at Walter Payton College Prep, had the project ENBM018 - REVOICE: STT-TTS Real-Time Destuttering. She received the Grand Award of 3rd Place in the Category of Biomedical Engineering.
The Grand Awards Ceremony can be watched with the specific times for the students names being called:
- Cynthia at 23:49
- Keith at 30:30
- Maizie at 1:04:30
Update: CPS STEM Exhibition Alum Devine Osuji continuing his betterment for all at the University of Michigan.
A story of STEM Exhibition success
Podcast Short: Exploring Endophytes for Healthier Plants with Maizie Koentopp who is a 9th grader.
A story of STEM Exhibition success
Lane Tech student designs affordable prosthetic arm, wins 2025 National STEM Champion
At Lane Tech High School on the city's north side, the future is now. Students are working toward their futures and one young man working for the betterment of all.
Watch Devine's Story On WGN Watch Devine's Story on CBS Chicago
A story of STEM Exhibition success
In the spring of 2023, Landra Ream was selected as a sophomore to represent Lane Tech at the city-wide science fair held at Illinois Tech to present her project “Effect of A. Indica on Soil pH and Plant Growth.” While she was selected to advance to the state competition for the symposium only, the bigger prize was Dr. Amy Stark selected her for one of two full scholarships for the DNA Learning Center’s residential summer camp...Read more
A 501(c)(3) organization supporting students
The mission of CPSSSF, Inc. is to foster Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (“STEM”) education among Chicago Public Schools (“CPS”) students by serving as a catalyst for the development of a cadre of -STEM literate students; empowering these students to engage in science and engineering practices; and providing these students with a public forum to present and have their work evaluated by professionals in specialized fields of study.
Annual Exhibition of CPS Student STEM Research
The annual CPS Citywide Exhibition of Student STEM Research is the premier event conducted and sponsored by CPS Student Science Fair, Inc.
Showcasing hundreds of the best-of-the best student projects from participating schools across the city, the 75th annual exhibition was held March 13-16, 2025.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ANNUAL EXHIBITION
SEE THIS YEAR'S STEM EXHIBITION RESULTS
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