South Carolina Students Win Prestigious Humane Science Award For Cancer Research

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.

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