North Carolina teen inspired by Native American roots wins national science prize WSOC TV [Video]

DURHAM, N.C. — A teenager from North Carolina says her pride in her Native American culture helped inspire the research that was just recognized for a national science prize.

WTVD reports Ava Grace Cummings of Johnston County won a six-figure prize after placing 2nd in the 2025 Regeneron Science Talent Search.

Cummings won the prize for her research on Native American myopathy, also known as the muscle disorder stac3. WTVD spoke with the teen, and she said it was a subject that was close to her.

“Just bringing more resources and more advocacy and more awareness to medicine within these areas. I was able to contribute to that by looking at this disease that’s specific to my tribe and also using our traditional practices and finding a solution,” Cummings told WTVD.

According to WTVD, Cummings tested adult flies and larvae for her research. She combined an experimental amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) drug called Tirasemtiv …