Bishop Feehan Student Honored for 3D printer waste solution

Benjamin Davis, a 16-year-old student at Bishop Feehan High School, has been named one of the top young scientists in the world, earning the prestigious $75,000 Regeneron Young Scientist Award at the 2025 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) for his groundbreaking invention of a compact desktop plastic recycling system.

Benjamin’s device, which transforms 3D printer waste into reusable filament, stands to revolutionize how small-scale creators, classrooms, and hobbyists manage plastic waste. The machine—designed to be affordable, easy to use, and highly efficient—integrates pultrusion and extrusion technologies, making it 45% more efficient and 90% less expensive than standard recycling systems.

“I designed a machine to recycle 3D printer waste into usable filament through a novel combination of plastic processing technologies,” Benjamin explained. “I went through over 50 iterations of components and many redesigns. Although the science fair took over my life at times, I will never forget the incredible experience I had and the number of things I learned.”

Benjamin’s journey began at his school’s science fair and advanced through a regional competition and the Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair (MSEF), where he won the AMD Engineering Excellence Award. That recognition propelled him to ISEF—the world’s largest and most prestigious high school science competition—where he stood out among more than 1,600 global finalists.

Judges were particularly impressed with Benjamin’s technical mastery and communication skills. “His innovative approach showed technical rigor and extraordinary resilience in problem-solving,” said Jerome Smith, Head of Community Affairs for Amazon’s New England Region. “His clear communication of his sophisticated project helped him stand out.”

Benjamin’s science teacher, Ms. Kelly Gomez, said his win is no accident. “He learned, adapted, and persevered through adversity. And he has an extraordinary ability to explain complex ideas clearly, which is rare at any age.”

MSEF Executive Director Helen Rosenfeld called Benjamin’s win “a powerful reminder that extraordinary innovation is possible at any age.” She added, “His work exemplifies what independent research should do: identify real-world problems, build practical solutions, and push the limits of creativity and determination.”

The Regeneron ISEF attracts top high school scientists from across the globe, awarding nearly $9 million in scholarships and prizes each year. Benjamin’s achievement is a proud moment not just for Bishop Feehan and the town of Wrentham, but for STEM education across Massachusetts.

As for what’s next, Benjamin plans to keep building and improving on his design. But for now, he’s still taking in the magnitude of the experience. “ISEF was probably one of the best weeks of my life,” he said. “It was amazing to be at an event with so many like-minded people who share my interest in science and engineering.”

From his home workshop to the international stage, Benjamin Davis has proven that world-changing ideas can start at any age—and sometimes, in your own backyard.