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Following their success at the 2025 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (Regeneron ISEF) in Columbus, Ohio, two finalists took their STEM journey abroad, representing the United States at the (EUCYS) in Riga, Latvia.

of Groton, Mass., and of Baton Rouge, La., received this honor after winning the EU Contest for Young Scientists Award for their projects in biomedical engineering and microbiology, respectively. At EUCYS, which celebrates the best young scientific talent from Europe and beyond, the finalists from the United States presented their work before an esteemed international jury and spent a week experiencing Latvia.

鈥淭he whole week was an unforgettable experience, so it鈥檚 hard to choose one highlight. If I had to pick, I would say my favorite part was visiting the Baltic Sea,鈥� Abigail says. When they arrived at the beach, the finalists worked together to form the letters 鈥淓UCYS鈥� and a drone captured the moment. 鈥淟ooking back, I think it was a moment when I really bonded with many of my new friends,鈥� Abigail says. When they weren鈥檛 presenting their projects, Abigail and Ethan had the opportunity to explore and fully immerse themselves in Latvian culture.

鈥淥ne of my favorite moments was at the Silver Grove in Mezaparks, where the Latvian Song and Dance Festival is held. The EUCYS group met up with a choir from a local school there and we got to hear the choir sing. It was so majestic because the sound was reflecting off a huge dome. It was one of the moments where I felt we really got to bond with locals,” Ethan says. He also recalls that right up to the last day of judging, his booth neighbors were still humming music from the choir performance.

Ethan won a third-place prize at the contest for his project titled, 鈥淢edicine project: RetinAI: A Low-Cost AI System With a Wearable Headset and Retinal Imaging for Eye Tumor Home-Screening.鈥� This was the same project he presented at Regeneron ISEF. 鈥淚 was thrilled and excited to receive this award at EUCYS,鈥� Ethan says. 鈥淐oming from the United States as a guest country, we were warmly welcomed by everyone at EUCYS, including the organizers, our fellow presenters and the local visitors. It was incredibly meaningful to be recognized in an event that brings together passion and intellect from Europe and beyond.鈥�

Abigail says this trip taught her to embrace new experiences with confidence and to see every moment as a chance to learn, grow and make meaningful memories. She shares that stepping out of her comfort zone led to amazing connections and opportunities.

鈥淭he chance to meet like-minded student researchers was truly special, and being surrounded by their passion for science was deeply inspiring,鈥� Abigail notes. 鈥淭he cultures I connected with, the memories I created and the friendships formed are things I will cherish for the rest of my life!鈥�

Similarly, Ethan says one lesson he learned at Regeneron ISEF and EUCYS is the value of being surrounded by other student researchers. 鈥淏ecause judging was only a small portion of the time spent at EUCYS, I was able to explore most of the projects at the fair,鈥� Ethan says. 鈥淚t was inspiring to connect with so many students from Europe and beyond. Science and research are truly more about sharing ideas and connecting with peers than it is about competition.鈥�

Abigail and Ethan have this advice for students interested in this type of opportunity: 鈥淭ry not to get too nervous about judging and really take the time to meet new people during the fair,鈥� Ethan explains. 鈥淚t鈥檒l make the experience go more smoothly. Overall, you鈥檒l come out of the fair having enjoyed it much more than if you had solely concentrated on judging.鈥�

鈥淢y biggest piece of advice is to find a topic you truly care about and fully commit to it,鈥� Abigail says. 鈥淟et your passion and knowledge shine through!鈥�