Great Mills High School student Rishi Sheth recently represented St. Mary’s County on the
inter-national stage after competing at the 2026 Regeneron International Science and
Engineering Fair (ISEF), the world’s largest international pre-college STEM competition. Held
May 9–15 at the Phoenix Convention Center in Phoenix, Arizona, the event brought together
more than 1,700 student finalists from over 60 countries, regions, and territories to compete for
more than $7 million in awards.
Sheth advanced from the St. Mary’s County Science and Engineering Fair to the Prince George’s
(PG) Regional Science Fair, where he earned a Grand Award and qualified to compete at ISEF.
There, he presented his original research alongside some of the world’s most accomplished
young scientists. Reflecting on the experience, Sheth described ISEF as “the coolest thing” and
said the competition exceeded even his high expectations.
“ISEF was an experience of a lifetime, and words cannot describe how grateful I am to the St.
Mary’s Science and Engineering Fair for providing me with this opportunity.”
His research focused on improving treatments for one of the most challenging forms of brain
cancer.
“My project created a computational model that explains why CAR T cell therapy fails for
Glioblastoma (brain cancer), and then suggests proteins that the cancer therapy should target.”
Sheth said the caliber of research presented by fellow competitors was remarkable.
“The competition at ISEF was exactly what it had promised: the best of the best from all over the
world, but I did not expect every project to be as complex as it was.”
Beyond the competition, finalists participated in educational, networking, and cultural events
designed to foster collaboration among the next generation of scientists. One of the week’s
highlights was the annual Pin Exchange, where students traded enamel pins, gifts, and cultural
tokens representing their home regions, creating friendships that extended far beyond the
competition.
Sheth also explored Regeneron Way, which featured the STEM College and Career Fair and
Category Networking Sessions, providing opportunities to connect with researchers, industry
professionals, judges, educators, and fellow student scientists. Finalists also had the opportunity
to attend symposiums that explained the judging process and offered strategies for effectively
presenting their research.
The week included memorable social activities as well, including a visit to Chase Field, home of
Major League Baseball’s Arizona Diamondbacks, where finalists had the opportunity to step onto
the field and enjoy a celebration with fellow competitors.
The relationships Sheth built at ISEF have already led to new opportunities.
“Some of these students have become some of my really good friends, and we work on projects
and further research together; in fact, they even shared an opportunity for a conference in San
Francisco, which I was just able to attend last week, with a stipend and received more than
$20,000 in funding for research.”
Sheth hopes his experience will inspire other students throughout St. Mary’s County to pursue
scientific research and participate in local science and engineering fairs.
“I would encourage any student interested in science to pursue research and the science fair here
in St. Mary’s County. We are a small county, but that doesn’t define us. We have so many
resources and great mentors who are able to guide anyone toward these world-class
opportunities, which are truly eye-opening to what the future holds.”
