Conestoga High School student Leo Wylonis is one of the finalists in the country’s oldest math and science competition, the Regeneron Science Talent Search, writes Grace Shallow for Technical.ly Philly. 

The annual search is hosted by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals and the Society of Science. High school seniors are selected based on their projects’ scientific rigor and their “potential to become world-changing scientists and leaders.” 

Wylonis was selected for the top 40 out of 1,800 applicants.

For his project, the senior developed a non-metal DiSERVO motor that can be used during surgery using MRI robotics. His prototype is made up primarily of custom-printed 3D plastic parts, and it was proved to have higher torque and to be faster and more accurate than the leading motor currently used in the field. 

After high school, Wylonis plans to study engineering. 

“There are so many different innovations going on in the world that are completely new,” he said. “The prospect of making something completely new that helps the world is really cool, and I really like getting in the flow of a project and completing it to its finish.”

Read more about Leo Wylonis at Technical.ly Philly.