Three-Way Tie Caps 2025 Albany Regional Brain Bee

The tenth annual Albany Regional Brain Bee, held on March 1 at Albany Medical College, concluded with a thrilling three-way tie.

After three rounds in which students were quizzed on their knowledge about the brain, Bhuvika Kodali of Shenendehowa High School, Evelyn Lu of Shaker High School, and Ryder Clarson of Emma Willard School were tied.

Kodali, a ninth grader, took first place following two additional tiebreaker rounds.

They were among 32 competitors from twelve local high schools who participated in this year’s Brain Bee, a neuroscience trivia competition for students aged 13 to 19 that’s similar in format to a traditional spelling bee.

In addition to two rounds of 25 multiple questions each, a new addition this year was a third, practical round in which participants identified specific regions on a brain model and analyzed videos demonstrating neurological disorders.

During breaks in the competition, participants had the opportunity to hear from local university students, including former Albany Regional Brain Bee participants.

A panel discussion featuring undergraduate biology and biochemistry majors from the University at Albany and Union College offered insights on preparing for college and pursuing neuroscience studies. A second panel, led by PhD and MD candidates from Albany Medical College, offered guidance and advice on applying to medical or graduate school.

Held annually in late February or early March, the Albany Regional Brain Bee has been hosted by the Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics since 2016.

As the winner of the Albany Regional Brain Bee, Kodali will next compete in the national USA Brain Bee Championship, which will be held in May at Rutgers University Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in New Jersey.