DENTON (UNT), Texas--Three students in UNT’s Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science have been named semifinalists in the 2013 Intel Science Talent Search.
Semifinalists were selected from more than 1,700 entrants.
The Intel Science Talent Search is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious pre-college science competition. Each year 300 students are named semifinalists, and each semifinalist receives a $1,000 award from the Intel Foundation with an additional $1,000 going to each student’s school. Semifinalists go on to compete for $1.25 million in awards.
The semifinalists are:
- Jianing Jenny He, 18, of Plano, for “The New Canary: Revolutionizing On-Site Direct Analysis of Air Quality in Oil and Gas Fields.”
- Alex Hong, 17, of Allen, for “Synthesis of Acrylonitrile-Based NONOate Bandages for Enhancement of Wound Healing.”
- Larry Xiao, 17, of Plano, for “TEOS-MEK Modification of Natural Fibers in Polymer-Based Composites.”
The academy 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.
“Each year, the Intel Science Talent Search honors high school seniors poised to lead in U.S. scientific innovation,” said Wendy Hawkins, executive director of the Intel Foundation. “This year, these young scientists are tackling some of the world’s greatest challenges in topics ranging from environmental conservation solutions to medical treatments.”
On January 23 (Wednesday), 40 of the 300 semifinalists will be named as finalists. They will receive an all-expenses paid trip to Washington D.C. from March 7-13 (Thursday – Wednesday). Each finalist will receive at least $7,500. Winners are selected based on rigorous judging sessions and announced at a black-tie gala awards ceremony at the National Building Museum March 12 (Tuesday).