DENTON (UNT), Texas -- Students from the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science at the University of North Texas swept the preliminary rounds of the 2010-11 Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology, winning more awards than students from all other participating Texas schools.

Five TAMS students were named regional finalists for their research in computer science, chemistry and biological sciences. Another 11 TAMS students were named semifinalists in this year's competition.

"Achieving this kind of national recognition is strong encouragement to establish careers in STEM fields," said Dr. Richard J. Sinclair, TAMS dean. "All of us at the academy are delighted but not surprised at our students' success." STEM fields include science, technology, engineering, mathematics and related academic and professional disciplines.

Regional finalists Favyen Bastani of Plano, Jonathan Lin of Plano, Mariam Saifullah of Richardson, Stephanie Su of Katy and Shulin Ye of Lewisville each received $1,000 scholarships. They will present their research Nov. 5 (Friday) at the Region Two competition at the University of Texas at Austin, one of six regional events across the U.S.

The semifinalists are:

• Anita Chandrahas, of Plano
• Andrew Ding, of Sugar Land
• Jennifer Ding, of McKinney
• Benjamin Huang, of Plano
• Joshua John, of Mesquite
• Matthew Krenik, of Garland
• Harrison Miller, of Grand Prairie
• Patricia Loren Nano, of Grand Prairie
• Kelly Ren, of Plano
• John Rogers, of Cedar Hill
• Justin Zhao, of Plano

Regional level winners will participate in the national competition at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., in December and compete against high school students for prizes ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for individual and team categories.

In 2008, TAMS student Wen Chyan won the national contest and $100,000, and in 2002, Charles Hallford won the grand prize as part of a team competition. In 2009, Peter Hu was one of the six national finalists.

TAMS is a two-year residential program at UNT that allows exceptionally talented students to complete their freshman and sophomore years of college while receiving the equivalent of high school diplomas. Students enroll in the academy following their sophomore year in high school, live in a UNT residence hall and attend UNT classes with college students. After two years, they enroll at UNT or another university to finish their bachelor's degrees.  

The Siemens Competition in Math, Science and Technology is one of several signature programs of the Siemens Foundation and the nation's leading original research competition in math, science and technology for high school students.

The Siemens Foundation provides more than $7 million annually in support of educational initiatives in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math in the U.S. in support of outstanding students and recognizing the teachers and schools that inspire their excellence. A record number of 1,372 projects were received for the 2010 Siemens Competition.