Katy resident Vivian Liu, a rising senior at the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science, recently competed at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) 2026 in Phoenix, often called the "Olympics of Science" and the world's largest pre-college science competition.

Roughly 1,700 finalists qualify each year, which is fewer than 0.1% of high school researchers worldwide. ”Just earning a spot is something I feel very fortunate about,” Liu told the Katy Times. While Liu was there, her project ETSD016 received a third Grand Award in Engineering Technology Statics & Dynamics. The project developed a low-cost sensor to detect waterborne toxins. The World Health Organization (WHO) states over 2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, exposing them to heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial toxins that cause cancer and developmental disorders. Liu also received a special award from the Shanghai Science Association for Young Talents. On her way to becoming an ISEF finalist, Liu achieved "Best of Fair" (Senior Division) and first place in Engineering (Electrical & Mechanical), Senior Category at the Fort Worth Regional Science & Engineering Fair, along with first place in the Water Environment Association of Texas Award, the Stockholm Junior Water Prize Award, the Office of Naval Research (U.S. Navy & Marine Corps) Award, and the Lockheed Martin Leadership Association Award.

ISEF and its parent organization, the Society for Science, have a remarkable legacy. Their alumni community of more than 70,000 includes Nobel laureates, MacArthur "Genius" Fellows, National Medal of Science recipients, and major innovators in science and technology. Each year, current Nobel Prize winners come to speak directly with the finalists.

“Standing among that history is humbling,” Liu said.