Cavon H. ’27 Recognized at Regeneron ISEF for Life-Saving Wearable Radar Project

Representing Poly at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF), one of the world’s most prestigious STEM competitions for high school students, Cavon H. ’27 brought home two second-place special awards for his groundbreaking project: a wearable radar sensor designed to prevent pedestrian-car accidents. His innovation earned him the Serving Society Through Science Award for societal impact and the Association of Old Crows Award for excellence in electromagnetism. 

Cavon’s invention was driven by a sobering statistic: a pedestrian is killed every 70 minutes and injured every 8 minutes in collisions with motor vehicles. Recognizing the risks posed to the elderly, those with hearing impairments, and people using headphones or noise-canceling devices, Cavon designed a wearable radar system that detects cars approaching from behind. His prototype offers an early-warning system for pedestrians who are walking, jogging, or running, giving them the critical seconds needed to respond and avoid a collision.

“I really enjoyed this project and spent a lot of time working on it,” Cavon said. “It was great to see that other people, especially experts, saw the value of my work and supported my device.”

For Cavon, the science fair was about much more than awards. It also introduced him to great minds around the world. “ISEF has been one of my favorite weeks ever,” he shared. “Whether it was through the pin exchange or talking to the neighbors near my booth, I got to meet people from places like Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, South Korea, and even Australia. I made friends who share my interests but come from so many different backgrounds.”

One of the most inspiring moments for Cavon was hearing from Nobel Prize winners and engaging with professional judges. “ISEF taught me a lot—not just about science but about myself,” he reflected. “It showed me that while science tries to explain the world and engineering seeks to make it better, it’s the people we meet along the way who give it meaning.”

Cavon credits his journey to ISEF in part to Jack Prater, Upper School Mathematics teacher, who has been one of his mentors on the project and provided helpful feedback on his work and Robin Barnes, K–12 Science Department Chair, who first introduced him to the Los Angeles County Science and Engineering Fair (LACSEF), a stepping stone to the international stage. “I never would have imagined that it would lead to all this,” Cavon said. “I truly could not have done this, and would not have done this, without their support.”

Cavon was also the inaugural recipient of the Sabrina Zhang ’23 Prize for Interdisciplinary Entrepreneurship. The prize aims to promote innovative business projects that create a social impact through the research and development of science and technology related to sustainability. The financial award can be used to establish the business and research model to begin or further student investigations. 

Now, with international recognition and a renewed sense of purpose, Cavon is more determined than ever to pursue projects that combine engineering with social good. “The idea that my efforts behind a table can save a life is motivating,” he said. “It drives me to improve my work and continue learning.”