Wendy Hawkins, Intel: Intel STS 2012 Finalists Selected

January 30, 2012

Forty future leaders were recognized as finalists in the Intel Science Talent Search 2012, a program of Society for Science & the Public. From alternative energy solutions and landmine detection technology, to diabetic research and photodynamic cancer therapy, these 40 high school seniors are poised to be the next scientific leaders and to help solve some of the world's greatest challenges. For a list of this year's finalists, visit www.societyforscience.org/sts.

The Intel Science Talent Search is the country's oldest and most prestigious pre-college science competition, which encourages students to tackle challenging scientific questions and develop the skills to solve the problems of today and tomorrow. Participants are judged on both their original scientific research and on their achievement and leadership, inside and outside the classroom. The 40 finalists will gather in Washington, D.C. from March 8-13 to compete for $630,000 in awards. The top winner will receive $100,000 from the Intel Foundation.

"The U.S. needs these talented innovators to go as far and as fast as they can, solving the world's most critical challenges, imagining – and creating -- a new and better future for us all," said Wendy Hawkins, executive director of the Intel Foundation. "Math and science are the language and tools of this innovation – that's why Intel is so proud to invest in these students, and to advance math and science education for all students."

Society for Science & the Public, a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to public engagement in scientific research and education, has owned and administered the Science Talent Search since its inception in 1942.

"Tackling real-world challenges from cancer to Internet security to alternative energy solutions, this year's finalists are a true inspiration," said Society President Elizabeth Marincola. "We join with Intel in congratulating them on this tremendous honor, and commend the mentors, teachers, schools, parents and communities that have contributed to their success."

Intel Science Talent Search 2012 Fast Facts

• The Intel Science Talent Search 2012 finalists hail from 16 states and represent 39 schools.
   
• More than 47 percent of this year's finalists go to school in either New York or California.
   
• The independent research projects of this year's finalists include topics such as photodynamic cancer therapy; breast cancer research; innovative water conservation solutions; fiber optic research related to Internet data security; alternative energy solutions; and landmine detection technology.
   
• "Bioengineering" is a new category added to this year's competition. Two finalists have research projects in this category.
   
• Finalists will gather in Washington, D.C. for a week-long event from March 8-13. They will undergo a rigorous judging process and meet with national leaders. In past years this has included a visit with the President, interaction with preeminent scientists and display of their research at the National Geographic Society. Top winners will be announced at a black-tie gala awards ceremony at the National Building Museum on March 13.

Young innovators chosen to participate in the Science Talent Search over the past 70 years have gone on to receive some of the world's most prestigious honors. For example, Science Talent Search alumni have gone on to win seven Nobel Prizes, two Fields Medals, three National Medals of Science, 11 MacArthur Foundation Fellowships and even an Academy Award for Best Actress.

Intel has sponsored the Intel Science Talent Search and the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair for 14 and 15 years, respectively. Because Intel views education as the foundation for innovation, Intel and the Intel Foundation have invested more than $1 billion over the past decade, and Intel employees have donated close to 3 million hours toward improving education in more than 60 countries.