Young Scientist Award

2026 Awardees

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  Ryan Yu

  Bergen County Academies

  Ryan Yu is a junior at Bergen County Academies. Intrigued by the way chemistry can be used to understand the world and solve problems, Ryan conducts research on how titanate nanostructures can be used for solar-driven environmental remediation. He is also exploring how artificial intelligence can predict the physical and electrical properties of crystal structures, combining his existing research with state-of-the-art technology. He aims to merge advanced data analysis and chemical synthesis to develop scalable environmental solutions.

  Beyond research, Ryan enjoys problem-solving in both math and chemistry, discovering new ways the two fields can reinforce each other. In his free time, he plays the piano and listens to music. Ryan extends his gratitude to his family, mentors, and teachers for their unwavering support and guidance throughout his scientific journey.

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  Alina Zhu

  Rutgers Preparatory School

  Alina Zhu is a high school senior who has explored a wide range of laboratory and STEM extracurricular activities. Through work in university laboratories, analyzing protein sequences, and leading Chemistry Club experiments, she has developed a deep appreciation and passion for all that science has to offer. Alina plans to study biochemistry in college and hopes to pursue a career in medicine.

  Beyond STEM, Alina is captain of the cross-country team and president of the orchestra. In her free time, she enjoys playing lacrosse and reading. She also enjoys volunteering, especially at her local Chinese school and hospital.

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  Terry Yu

  Livingston High School

  Terry Yu is a student at Livingston High School in New Jersey and a researcher, environmental advocate, and student leader. Since 2024, he has conducted research in a mass spectrometry lab at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), where he focuses on advancing methods for detecting plastic pollution, contributing to broader efforts to better understand and address the environmental challenges posed by microplastics and nanoplastics.

  Beyond the laboratory, Terry is the founder and president of Students for a Greener Future, a global nonprofit organization that empowers students to tackle environmental challenges in their own communities and inspires young people to take meaningful action that creates lasting change.

  At Livingston High School, Terry serves as president of the Student Government Association, where he represents student interests and helps foster a stronger school community. He also competes on the school's volleyball, cross-country, and track teams, balancing research and environmental advocacy with athletics and student leadership.

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  Wesley Yang

  Livingston High School

  Wesley Yang is a senior at Livingston High School who wants to use chemistry to turn environmental problems into solutions. His interest in sustainability began in elementary school and has grown into hands-on research through his school's selective three-year science research program. He started by training deep learning models to identify microplastics at Montclair State University, then moved into laboratory work with high-resolution mass spectrometry in Professor Hao Chen's lab at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). There, he designed and built an independent catalytic pyrolysis project that converts waste plastic into fuel, testing basic catalysts as an alternative to the more commonly used acidic ones and analyzing the resulting oil with GC-MS. He has presented his research at his school's annual research symposium and at the East-CACS Annual Conference.

  Wesley plans to study chemical or environmental engineering in college and hopes to develop cleaner ways to reduce waste and produce energy. Outside of science, he enjoys playing the trombone and ultimate frisbee.

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  Will Luo

  West Windsor-Plainsboro High School

  Will Luo is a junior at West Windsor-Plainsboro High School North with a passion for chemistry, math, and computer science. He enjoys solving challenging real-world problems, meeting interesting people, and deepening his understanding of the world through science. At school, he is an active member of the Science Olympiad, Science Bowl, and Math Team, where he has learned the importance of collaboration, performing under pressure, and thinking quickly. He has also volunteered at numerous local STEM events and camps, guiding younger students toward academic success and sharing his enthusiasm for learning.

  Outside the classroom, Will enjoys Clash Royale, a strategic mobile game, and chess, in which he is nationally ranked. To stay active, he swims for his school team and plays badminton. Will hopes to continue his scientific journey through college and beyond, using his curiosity and creativity to impact and inspire others.