Ravi Balasubramanian, a Lower Merion School District student, was recognized as a Top 300 Scholar in the 79th Regeneron Science Talent Search for his algae research, writes Max Bennett for the Patch.

The Harriton High School senior was chosen from nearly 2,000 students from 659 high schools and 49 states. His submission for the oldest and most prestigious science and mathematics competition for high school seniors across the nation was titled “Volvox barberi flocks, forming near-optimal, two-dimensional, polydisperse lattice packings.”

Balasubramanian analyzed the behavior of the multicellular green algae that form colonies of 10,000 to 50,000 cells by actively “flocking” together in structures that have features similar to crystals. Using a computer simulation, he determined that the algae make optimal use of space by forming closely packed arrangements.

Balasubramanian will receive $2,000 for his work. His school will also receive the same amount to be used toward STEM-related activities.

The top 40 finalists from the competition will be announced on January 22 by Regeneron. They will each receive $25,000 and will get the chance to compete for the main prize of $250,000 in the Washington, D.C. finale.

Read more about Ravi Balasubramanian at the Patch by clicking here.