Students Recognized Nationally and Internationally for Scientific Research | News | Portsmouth Abbey School, Rhode Island

Portsmouth Abbey School is proud to celebrate two members of the Class of 2026 whose outstanding scientific work has earned regional and national recognition.

Ethan Kang ’26 has been named a Stockholm Junior Water Prize recipient by the New England Water Environment Association (NEWEA). Ethan was recognized for his research project, “Environmental Factors of AMR in Rhode Island Waters,” which explores antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in water systems. Conducted under the mentorship of Science Department Chair Stephen Zins, Ethan’s work reflects scientific rigor, originality, and real-world relevance—and speaks to the Abbey’s commitment to using research in service of environmental stewardship and the common good. “It reflects my interest in how environmental factors shape public health, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have that research recognized,” Ethan shared. “I was honored to represent the school in a global conversation on water sustainability.” The award honors outstanding student research addressing critical water-related challenges and will be formally celebrated at the NEWEA/Water Environment Federation/Environmental Protection Agency Awards Ceremony and Luncheon on January 28, 2026, during the Annual Conference & Exhibit in Boston. Jennifer Shon ’25 received the award last year.

In addition, Portsmouth Abbey School proudly announces that Billy Jin ’26 has been named one of the Top 300 Scholars in the 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and mathematics competition for high school seniors. Billy was selected from a highly competitive pool of more than 2,600 applicants representing 826 high schools across 46 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico, the Northern Mariana Islands, and 16 countries. His recognition continues the tradition of excellence at Portsmouth Abbey; last year, Alaina Zhang ’26 and Jennifer Shon ’26 were also named Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholars. Now in its 85th year, the Science Talent Search honors exceptional young scientists whose original research demonstrates creativity, rigor, leadership, and extraordinary promise in STEM fields. Each scholar receives a $2,000 award, with an additional $2,000 awarded to their school, reflecting the program’s investment in both students and the institutions that support their growth.

Zins praised Billy’s achievement and said, “Billy is a tremendous young scientist whose talent is only matched by his humility. His project went through several iterations that reflected careful development and nuanced analysis. He is a joy to teach, and he will be able to do whatever he wants in the future.” For Billy, the recognition marks both a milestone and a moment of gratitude. “It is an incredible honor to be recognized as a Top 300 Regeneron Scholar,” he said. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to work on a project I am passionate about and be rewarded for it. A big thank you to all the teachers who helped me, and especially to Dr. Zins for your thoughtful mentorship and guidance along the way.” He also encouraged fellow students, considering the competition: “If you’re weighing the commitment, just do it. I promise you’ll be surprised by how far you go and how much you learn.”

Together, Ethan and Billy’s achievements reflect Portsmouth Abbey’s deep commitment to cultivating serious inquiry, thoughtful mentorship, and excellence in science, preparing students to succeed academically and contribute meaningfully to the world beyond the classroom.