Senior, James Licato, Finalist for 80th Regeneron Science Talent Search, Collects $25,000

Senior James Licato has been named a Finalist in the 80th Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) —the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and mathematics competition for high school seniors. His science project titled Development of a Zeolite Composite Material for the Simultaneous Removal of Pharmaceuticals, Personal Care Products (PPCPs), and Perfluorinated Alkyl Substances (PFAS) in Water Treatment will now advance to final round of competition.

A total of 1,760 students around the country entered the competition this year, which is owned and produced by Society for Science. This is an extraordinary accomplishment considering the many challenges this year has presented. Licato will receive $25,000 for his accomplishment and Washington – Liberty High School will also receive funds to use toward STEM-related activities.

Licato will participate in the final competition to be held virtually this year due to the pandemic, the week of March 10- 17, 2021. He joins the ranks of 13 Nobel prize winners, 21 MacArthur Foundation Fellows and many other distinguished alumni of the Science Talent Search. This honor identifies him as one of the nation’s most promising young scientists or mathematicians.