A DeKalb County School District student recently was named a finalist in a national science competition, netting a $25,000 prize.

Zoe Weiss, a Lakeside High School senior,  placed in the top 40 in the annual Regeneron Science Talent Search. She was the first Georgia student finalist since 2014.

District officials said she was recognized for creating an algorithm to detect rare cell types from single-cell gene-expression data, which can help with early disease diagnosis.

The finalists traveled to Washington, D.C., last month to compete for more than $1.8 million in prize money.

Her algorithm detected rare cells in all examined cases, including one which could prove to be a new type of brain cell.

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Sheree Smith (left) casts her ballot at Wolf Creek Library in Atlanta on Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. In addition to municipal races for mayors, city councils and school board members, this year’s election also will decide the members of the Georgia Public Service Commission. (Miguel Martinez / AJC)

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Public Service Commission candidate Peter Hubbard gets a hug from Brionté McCorkle, executive director of Georgia Conservation Voters, during an election-night party in Southwest Atlanta on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025.  (Ben Gray for the AJC)

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