GSSM Students Earn Top Honors at 2025 South Carolina Junior Academy of Science

Photo: Students from the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics attending the 2025 South Carolina Junior Academy of Science Annual Meeting include (top row, left to right) Jack Szymanski, Matthew Bodnar, Arpan Bansal Roland Yang, Peter Steinmetz, Akhil Kanthamneni, Vshwanth Bolisetty, Peyton Weidner, Ava Shockey, Julia Yang, (Front Row, Left to Right) Ansh Dwivedi, Khushi Udani, Eleanor McLeod, Robert Johnson, Elena Mathys, Elizabeth Aniello, Phoenix Zhao, John Banzon, Burhanuddin Rajnagawarla, and Abhi Samala.

HARTSVILLE, S.C. (April 10, 2025) — The South Carolina Governor’s School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) is proud to announce that six of its students earned awards for outstanding research presentations and papers at the 2025 South Carolina Junior Academy of Science (SCJAS) Annual Meeting, held April 5 at Coastal Carolina University.

The SCJAS Annual Meeting brings together some of the state’s most talented middle and high school students to showcase innovative scientific research. GSSM students stood out among their peers for exceptional work in fields ranging from artificial intelligence to environmental science.

This year’s GSSM award recipients include:

• Arpan Bansal, 12th grade 
  Project: “Generative AI Text Detection: Strengths and Weaknesses” 
  Mentor: Long Cheng, Clemson University 
  Category: Computer Science - Mentored
   
• Ava Shockey, 12th grade 
  Projects: “PTP1B: Structure and Function in Relation to Type Two Diabetes” 
  (Biochemistry, mentored by Lalima Madan, Medical University of South Carolina) 
  and 
  “Microwave Spectrum Analysis of 5-chloro-2-fluorophenol” 
  (Chemistry, mentored by Gordon Brown, GSSM) 
  Category: Biochemistry & Chemistry - Mentored
   
• Julia Yang, 12th grade 
  Project: “Role of Stiffness Markers in Astrocytes in Glaucoma Pathology” 
  Mentor: Shahid Husain, Medical University of South Carolina 
  Category: Physiology & Health, Psychology & Sociology -Mentored
   
• Roland Yang and Akhil Kanthamneni, 12th grade 
  Project: “Evaluating Corruption Defenses for Model Robustness” 
  Mentor: Christof Schroth, Fraunhofer Institute for Experimental Software Engineering 
  Category: Computer Science – Mentored and Written Paper - Mentored
   
• Phoenix Zhao, 12th grade 
  Project: “The Future of Biodegradable Technology Creation: Liquid Crystals” 
  Mentor: Monirosadat Sadati, University of South Carolina 
  Category: Consumer Science, Engineering & Environmental Science - Mentored

“Research needs to be shared to be impactful,” said Dr. Josh Witten, GSSM director of research & inquiry. “We are delighted that our students take opportunities like the South Carolina Junior Academy of Science to enthusiastically share their incredible work—especially on the morning before their prom!”

Their success also reflects the dedication of research mentors across South Carolina and beyond who generously guide students through their research journeys.

“Mentoring a high school student in research is more than teaching—it's about fostering their curiosity, guiding them through design and discovery. I personally get the most out of watching their confidence grow as they realize the power of their own ideas," said Matt Myers, GSSM hydroponic research lab manager and mentor to students presenting at SCJAS.

GSSM students conduct mentored research as part of the school’s broader mission to provide transformative STEM learning opportunities to high school students across the state.

For more information about SCJAS, visit scacademysci.org. To learn more about GSSM’s research programs, visit www.scgssm.org.