GSSM students win awards at SCJAS Annual Meeting

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.