6 North Texas residents were named by Regeneron Science Talent Search scientists.

NORTH TEXAS (CBSDFW.COM) “Each year, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science competition celebrates students who advance achievements in STEM.

Here, six North Texas residents were named by Regeneron Science Talent Search scientists.

“With Regeneron Science Talent Search, we are really just trying to create a project and do research to have a really big impact on certain populations,” said scientist Shriya Bhat.

“This is definitely something that everyone can do 100%,” said scientist Amav Khambete. “When you’re in high school, you can start taking science classes as soon as you’re a freshman, sophomore, junior.”

Khambeta was able to complete an internship at UT Southwestern, allowing him to explore what affects millions of Americans every day.

“My project specifically focuses on chronic pain, which can be caused by various diseases,” he said.

He explains that commonly prescribed opioids like morphine or fentanyl can be addictive, so he’s working on an alternative.

“My project aims to develop a new new class of drugs that focus on these key brain proteins that can suppress chronic pain without the addictive effects of opioids,” he said.

Bhat studies antibiotic resistance.

“Basically, since we’re making these antibiotics, the bacteria will obviously want to survive against them,” she said.

She is trying to develop a sustainable and cost-effective solution. “Develop an antibiotic that can last for centuries,” she said.

Neil Song is developing technology that recognizes sign language and converts it to text, like Amazon’s Alexa.

“My project really allows us to provide the same benefits and convenience to those who may be deaf or dumb and cannot take advantage of speech recognition,” Song said.

As scientists at the Regeneron Science Talent Search, all three teenagers have been recognized for their ability to explore and create innovative solutions to some of society’s biggest problems.

“This is just the beginning,” Song said.

They say this achievement validates their work, gives them insight and moves them forward.