Bobbie Cates Hicks SMART Program

01/08/2026

Congratulations to SMART scholar Maya Trutschl on being named a 2026 Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar—one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for high school researchers. Maya is one of this year's bright stars in the Bobbie Cates Hicks SMART Program.

We’re incredibly proud of you, Maya, and excited to see where your work takes you next!

We are incredibly proud to celebrate Maya Trutschl, a senior at Caddo Parish Magnet High School, who has been named a 2026 Scholar in the Regeneron Science Talent Search and is the only honoree from Louisiana this year.

Maya’s research project, “Automated Prediction and Prevention of Pressure Injuries Using Machine Learning and Thermal Sensing: A Clinical Validation Study,” showcases innovation, real-world impact, and the power of student-led research.

Congratulations, Maya, on this outstanding achievement and for representing Caddo on a national stage.

Read more about her accomplishment here: https://www.caddoschools.org/article/2622420.

12/17/2025

Congrats to SMART student, Kevin Zhao!

Congratulations to sophomore Steward Lokitz for placing 3rd overall in the 4th District Congressional App Challenge. Freshman and Senior brother duo Aiden and Kevin Zhao placed 1st in the challenge! This morning Speaker Mike Johnson's community liaison Matthew McKee presented our students with their winning certificates. Thanks to Mr. Goebel for his guidance and support of this challenge! Aiden and Kevin now have the opportunity to participate in the House of Code event in Washington D.C. where they will have the opportunity to showcase their app! We are proud!

10/24/2025

Congrats to SMART student, Maya!

SHREVEPORT, La. — A Caddo Magnet High School student is bringing international recognition to northwest Louisiana after earning first place at the world’s largest pre-college science competition.

10/10/2025

Congratulations to SMART students Audrey and Jackson!

07/23/2025

Congratulations to the 2025-2026 SMART Class!

This outstanding group of high school seniors from Caddo and Bossier Parishes has been selected for the Science and Medicine Academic Research Training (SMART) Program — a year-long research experience at LSU Health Shreveport.

Through this unique partnership with BRF, LSU Health Shreveport, and local school boards, these students will gain hands-on experience working alongside medical researchers.

To learn more, visit: https://www.brfla.org/smart-program-welcomes-new-class/

05/23/2025

Congrats SMART ladies!

05/03/2025

Congrats Aashni and Rishi!

Four Magnet seniors, out of more than 5,000 candidates, have been selected as finalists in the 2025 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program. The candidates were selected from nearly 3.6 million students expected to graduate from U.S. high schools in 2025. Inclusion in the U.S. Presidential Scholars Program is one of the highest honors bestowed upon graduating high school seniors. Scholars are selected on the basis of superior academic and artistic achievements, leadership qualities, strong character and involvement in community and school activities. 9 students from Louisiana were selected as Semifinalists this year.

Congratulations to Parker Alleman, Arjun Desai, Aashni Shah, and Arisha Sultana for representing Magnet High!

04/26/2025

The Bobbie Cates Hicks Science and Medicine Academic Research Training Program (SMART) has linked more than 270 students with LSU Health Shreveport investigators since its inception in 1997. Help BRF continue the program by donating to Give for Good 2025. You can donate here: GiveforGoodNLA.org/BRF

04/26/2025

02/26/2025

Are you interested in being a SMART student? Apply by Friday at 4:00!

Enrollment for the 2025-2026 Bobbie Cates Hicks Science and Medicine Academic Research Training (SMART) program is now open, and the deadline to apply is 4:00 p.m. on February 28. For more information about eligibility requirements and how to apply to SMART click: https://bit.ly/SMARTenrollment

01/28/2025

Congrats to our SMART student, Rishi!

Congratulations to Arisha "Rishi" Sultana, Caddo's High School Student of the Year, who has been named one of the nation's top 300 teen scientists by the Society of Science as part of the Regeneron Science Talent Search. The Regeneron Science Talent Search is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors. For her recognition, Rishi and her school, Caddo Parish Magnet High School, will each receive $2,000. Congratulations, Rishi!

11/15/2024

SHREVEPORT, La. - Fourteen students from Caddo and Bossier Parish schools are part of this year’s Bobbie Cates Hicks Science and Medicine Academic Research Training (SMART) program. The students will