South Carolina Students Win Prestigious Humane Science Award for Cancer Research

HARTSVILLE, S.C. (May 28, 2025) — Audrey Howard of Anderson and Grace Zhang of Simpsonville, seniors at the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM), have been recognized with a special award at the 2025 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), the world’s largest international pre-college STEM competition.

Howard and Zhang received the Humane Science Award from the National Anti-Vivisection Society or their research project, “Studying the Effects of Fluid Shear Stress and Deformation on Metastatic Breast Cancer with Microfluidic Devices.” They previously received the Regeneron Biomedical Science Award at the Sand Hills Regional Science and Engineering Fair. Their work was completed during GSSM’s Summer Program for Research Interns (SPRI) in partnership with the Clemson University Honors College, under the mentorship of Dr. Adam Melvin, department of chemical and biomolecular engineering associate professor.

“Nearly 1,700 students from over 60 countries presented their research at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair. We are incredibly proud of Audrey and Grace. Completing a project of this caliber required determination, persistence, and curiosity. Qualities that reflect both their personal excellence and GSSM’s commitment to scientific advancement and discovery,” said Dr. Neval Erturk, vice president for academics at GSSM.

“We are extraordinarily proud of Audrey and Grace for this outstanding achievement,” said Dr. Josh Witten, director of research & inquiry at GSSM and director of the Sand Hills Regional Science & Engineering Fair. “Their success not only reflects their hard work and scientific talent but also highlights the innovative research taking place in South Carolina and the importance of supporting student research at all levels of education.”

(The Sand Hills Regional Science & Engineering Fair is an ISEF-affiliated fair that serves students across Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Horry, Kershaw, Lee, Marion, Marlboro, Sumter, and Williamsburg counties).

Howard and Zhang said the SPRI experience gave them the opportunity to thrive in a university research setting. They credit Dr. Melvin’s mentorship and their academic preparation at GSSM, particularly in biology, for helping them succeed.

“Audrey and I just wanted to share our research because we enjoyed it so much,” said Zhang. “We never expected it to lead to such an incredible experience. Presenting at ISEF was intense and awe-inspiring, but also incredibly supportive. It gave me a glimpse into how bright and collaborative the future of science can be.”

To learn more about GSSM’s research programs and opportunities, visit www.scgssm.org.