Isabella Vembenil ‘25 among the nation’s top teen scientists

On January 8, 2025, the Society for Science announced the top 300 scholars in the Regeneron Science Talent Search (STS) 2025. This year, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors attracted a record number of applicants—Ursuline senior Isabella Vembenil ‘25 among them. The multifaceted senior was recognized for her original science research project, ‘Beyond the Heartbeat: A Novel Machine Learning Approach to Identifying Palliative Care Candidates in Heart Failure.’

L-R: Principal Theresa Napoli, Science Department Chair Jennifer Micceri, Isabella Vembenil '25, and Mrs. Stacy Unkenholz at awards presentation hosted at Regeneron on February 3, 2025. Vembenil was also recognized by Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins, Chair of the Westchester County Board of Legislators Vedat Gashi, and Westchester County Legislator for White Plains and Scarsdale Benjamin Boykin II.

 

On Monday, February 3, 2025, the Westchester County Board of Legislators honored Vembenil and 16 other local high school students. The students are now part of a prestigious group of semifinalists and finalists in the renowned science and math competition. The special ceremony, held at Regeneron's Tarrytown headquarters, recognized the scholars' "exceptional academic achievements."

This recognition puts Vembenil on the national stage. She is in an elite group described as “our nation’s most promising young scientists who are generating innovative solutions to solve significant global challenges through rigorous research and discoveries.” Vembenil, representing The Ursuline School, is the area's only Catholic high school student to receive this distinctive honor.

Ursuline's Science Research faculty and Computer Science department supported and sponsored her award-winning project. Ursuline's Mrs. Stacy Unkenholz, science teacher, proudly reports that "Isabella was selected from nearly 2,500 applicants representing 795 high schools across 48 states." The scholars are chosen based on their "outstanding research, leadership skills, community involvement, commitment to academics, creativity in asking scientific questions, and exceptional promise as STEM leaders." 

 

Curiosity has driven my passion for STEM since childhood.”
- Isabella Vembenil '25

The project combines Vembenil’s interests in economics, computer science, and medicine with her love for research. “Curiosity has driven my passion for STEM since childhood,” she says, adding that her computer science classes at Ursuline have been one of the best parts of her high school experience. 

After she developed a knack for coding, Computer Science faculty members Mr. David Lorden and Mr. Howard Mo encouraged her to keep learning. She learned the programming language R and used that knowledge to create her award-winning science research project. Using machine learning, Vembenil sought to predict the risk level for heart failure patients and identify key factors in their care, like systolic blood pressure and anemia. 

“Ultimately, this work demonstrates how technology can bridge gaps in healthcare, ensuring dignity and well-being for those facing serious illnesses,” she explains. “My research shows how machine learning can make palliative care referrals more timely and accurate, improving the lives of heart failure patients and their families. By identifying high-risk patients earlier, healthcare providers can offer critical support sooner, addressing needs that might otherwise be overlooked.”

After further analysis, Vembenil adapted her previous study and received additional recognition for the project. Recently, she was selected from a pool of more than 2,000 contenders to be one of 72 participants in the New York-Upstate Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS). In early February, she'll head to the Griffiss Institute in Rome, NY, to compete for five spots and potentially move on to the national JSHS this spring. 

Isabella Vembenil '25 and classmates in Mr. Mo's AP Computer Science A class.


Vembenil finds that what she’s learned in computer science is changing her approach to everything. After earning certificates in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, she assists her peers in coding and applies her knowledge to solve real-world problems.

“These experiences have shown me how powerful and useful programming can be and inspired me to use my skills to help others—whether it’s through research, projects, or just encouraging more girls to explore tech.”

As co-president of Koalas Who Code, moderated by Lorden and Mo, Vembenil enjoys seeing more girls interested in coding. “It’s all about making technology feel accessible and fun. The club has been a great way to share my passion for coding and connect with others who feel the same.”

This busy senior has big plans. 

“These experiences have solidified my plan to study economics, computer science, and pre-med courses in college, eventually pursuing a career as a physician," she offers. "In ten years, I hope to be leading projects that combine AI and medicine to make healthcare more accessible and compassionate. By creating technologies that improve patient care, I aim to redefine what is possible at the intersection of technology and medicine.”

By creating technologies that improve patient care, I aim to redefine what is possible at the intersection of technology and medicine.”
- Isabella Vembenil '25

Her well-deserved recognitions reflect her determination, intellectual curiosity, and passion for scientific research. The complete list of award-winning scholars can be viewed HERE. To learn more about Computer Science at Ursuline, click HERE.

L-R: Mrs. Stacy Unkenholz, science teacher, Dr. Oxana Litvine, science teacher, Isabella Vembenil '25, Sophiana Simone '25, Maddie Bohan '24, Christina Huerta-Stylianou '24, Aine O'Sullivan '25, Ms. Theresa Napoli, principal, and Dr. Colleen Melnyk, president. Ursuline's Spring 2024 Science Research WESEF award winners.

 

 

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