That curiosity recently led to her selection as an elite scholar in a national science competition. Zhou was selected Jan. 21 as one of 40 finalists in Regeneron Science Talent Search 2021, an annual science and math competition for high school seniors around the United States. This yearâs contest included nearly 1,800 submissions, and the finalists were selected based on their projectsâ âscientific rigor and their potential to become world-changing scientists and leaders,â according to Regeneron. âEven since elementary school Iâve been taking part in science competitions, then I started taking on the research portion in high school,â she said. âIâve just always had a passion for solving problems.â