Meet Ashka Shah, the 17-year-old New York student who studied how: The wider industry impact

Ashka Shah (Jericho Senior High School, Jericho, NY)

A 17-year-old student from New York has developed a targeted method to stop cancer cells from growing, earning national recognition for tackling one of the biggest challenges in cancer research. Her research earned her a place as a finalist in the 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search, one of the oldest and most prestigious science and maths competitions for American high school students. Shah was selected as one of 40 national finalists from 2,612 applicants across the United States. It was the largest group of applicants to the competition since 1967. Each of the 40 finalists receives at least 25,000 dollars, while the top awards can reach 250,000 dollars, according to official competition records.

Ashka Shah, a senior at Jericho High School on Long Island, developed a method that blocks the harmful activity of a key cancer-driving protein without stopping its important functions in healthy cells. The project focuses on the Wnt signalling pathway, an important biological system that controls normal cell growth, stem cell maintenance and tissue repair. When mutations occur, a key protein in this pathway, beta-catenin, can build up in large amounts and move into the cell nucleus. There, it activates genes that help aggressive tumours grow, especially in liver and colorectal cancers. The Society for Science selects finalists based on the originality of their research, scientific quality and leadership. The final judging takes place in Washington, D.C. Shah’s work in molecular biology is only one part of her wider academic and community involvement. She is president of Jericho High School’s Medical Minds Club, captain of the school’s varsity fencing team and involved in local community service projects.