Reply 40 finalists were named Thursday in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021. (courtesy of Regeneron and Society for Science) TARRYTOWN, NY — Just 40 finalists — including three from the Hudson Valley — were named Thursday in the Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021, the nation's oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. They were chosen from 1,760 highly qualified entrants, all of whom completed an original research project and extensive application process. SEE: 33 Hudson Valley Students Named Regeneron Scholars For 2021. They are: Jared Ilan, Byram Hills High School; Rebecca Monge, Carmel High School; and Michael Pavelchek, Ossining High School. Subscribe Ilan researched the potential of using decellularized plant-based scaffolds for cultured meat production, which could someday supply the world's growing demand for affordable meat products with much lower environmental impact than current animal husbandry practices, contest officials said in a news release.