Hewlett High School’s Darren Chen has been named a Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar, a prestigious national honor recognizing students for original, independent research in science and math.
Chen’s project, conducted through the school’s Social Science Research Program, examined the relationship between vicarious embarrassment—the discomfort people feel witnessing others’ awkward experiences—on social media, and is influence on adolescents’ willingness to post on social media.
His project was one of 33 selected from Long Island, and one of 300 selected nationally.
“My initial idea was to examine how external pressure affects students,” Chen said. “As I researched, I became more intrigued by vicarious embarrassment and its impact on people choosing not to post on social media.”
With guidance from research program coordinator Joseph Van Wie, Chen designed a questionnaire distributed among classmates and used IBM’s statistical analysis tools to conduct correlation studies. He also conducted Independent Samples, T-Tests and ANOVAs to support his hypotheses.
Van Wie, who first taught Chen in 10th grade AP World History class, praised his communication skills and ability to make complex topics understandable. “Darren has the ability to take complex material and convey the information in a clear, academic manner that’s accessible to all.”
With the landscape of social media continuing to evolve, Van Wie explained that Chen’s project could offer insight for parents and adolescents navigating digital expression—including on emerging platforms.
“Little research has been conducted on how the digital dynamics of adolescent self-expression based on the embarrassment experienced by another’s content.”
Chen spoke highly of his teacher, explaining that Van Wie provided an “encouraging” environment for him and his 11 other research classmates to work toward a common goal.
“He was a great help throughout the process,” Chen said. “He helped me through the whole process. It was a great mentorship.”
Outside of Social Science, Chen was recognized for his commitment to his community— an affinity he’s developed through his extracurricular and volunteering ventures. He helped Techinance—a nonprofit for free education in technology and finance—research and develop a cybersecurity course explaining phishing, encryption and online privacy. Within six months, his lessons reached 850 students across 24 states and 21 countries.
“He doesn’t just conduct research in his field, he becomes greatly immersed in it,” Van Wie said.
Chen has also gained researching experience through programs at Haylon Technologies at MIT Mites, which he says helped him learn how to research. He also participates in Key Club, giving back to the community through fundraisers.
The 17-year-old will be attending Stanford University with a goal to develop innovations for community issues, and said this recognition is part of that goal.
“Being a Regeneron Science Scholar comes with a responsibility,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the opportunities this creates, as it helps prepare me with future skills and a confidence.”
